Pubdate: Thu, 31 Jan 2008
Source: Georgia Straight, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 The Georgia Straight
Contact:  http://www.straight.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1084
Author: Bob McKinnon
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n087/a01.html

GROW-OP PROFITS DOUBLY AFFECT RENTAL SQUEEZE

I agree that the rental crunch is due, in part, to rental housing 
being used for grow-ops ["Grow-ops shrink rentals", Jan. 24-31]. I 
would say there is another way that grow-ops are affecting housing in 
this area.

In my opinion, the high real-estate prices in Metro Vancouver are 
due, in large part, to the investment of profits-from grow-ops and 
other lucrative criminal activities-in downtown condos. It's obvious 
from the lack of occupancy of a large percentage of these units that 
they are an investment only. This puts the option of home ownership 
out of the reach of a great many working people and, therefore, puts 
more demand on rental housing.

Bob McKinnon

Vancouver
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