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LOCAL NEWS – LOCAL MATTERS
THURSDAY MAY 10, 2018
604.761.4138
H O M E T O W N
N E W S P A P E R
HOUSING
New West rental costs eating up more income Chris Campbell
ccampbell@burnabynow.com
An increasing number of renters in New Westminster are spending far too much of their income just to put a roof over their heads, according to the latest numbers released in the 2018 Canadian Rental Housing Index. The index has established that spending 30 per cent or less of household income on rent is the benchmark for what is considered affordable, but the data shows that spending more than 30 per cent of income on housing has become the “new normal.” Nearly half of Canadian renter households are spending more than the recommended 30 per cent of their income on housing while nearly one in five are spending more than 50 per cent. In New Westminster, 40 per cent of all renter households are spending more than the 30 per cent affordability benchmark. Even more disturbing, according to the index’s authors, is 21 per cent of New Westminster renters are spending over 50 per cent of their income just on housing. The 2016 average rent plus utilities in New Westminster was $1,045, an increase of $152 from the 2011 numbers.The authors of the index said it is highly likely that the 2018 numbers are even higher. The index also included a statistic about “overcrowded” rental households – meaning families who need more space to live but can’t afford a place with enough bedrooms so they cram into a smaller living unit. An estimated 12 per cent of all New Westminster renters live in “overcrowded” housing. The index is a comprehensive database of rental housing statistics released by a national partnership of housing associations, credit unions and advocacy organizations, developed using the latest census data from Statistics Canada. The average renter household income in New Westminster is $53,759, and the number of renter households in the city increased by 1,015 units from 2011 to 2016.
SKATE PARK’S FUTURE: The skate park at New Westminster Secondary is due to be demolished soon, but what about where the new skate park will be built? For more on where the new skate park will go, see the story on page 6. PHOTO CORNELIA NAYLOR
Q to Q ferry to set sail again
Ferry service from the Quay to Queensborough will run from May to October Theresa McManus
tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca
The Q to Q ferry will be sailing back to New Westminster this month. The ferry, which carries passengers from Westminster Quay to Queensborough, will run daily from May 19 to Oct. 28. It will operate Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends and statutory holidays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. “The 2018 Q to Q pilot ferry project gives us an opportunity to test the viability of providing a regular ferry service between Queensborough and downtown New Westminster,” Mayor Jonathan Cote said in a press release. “Providing a reliable and frequent connection for commuters, shoppers and those seeking access to transit services, recreational and cultural opportuni-
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vessels are outfitted to allow equitable access for all users including those with mobility aids,” said a city press release. “The ferry vessels are equipped with gently sloping ramps to allow wheeled mobility aids free access, and tie-downs for wheelchairs to ensure passenger safety.The ferry operator will aid passengers upon request.” Information about gangway slopes will be provided on the Q to Q website and ferry terminals at least one week in advance so passengers can plan trips based on optimal slopes to access the docks independently and safely. Tickets for the ferry are $2 for full fare and $1 for concession (seniors over 65, children six to 18 years and people with disabilities), with monthly passes available for $40 for full fare and $20 for concession. Continued on page 3
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ties seven days a week is a priority for our growing city.” Two 12-passenger vessels are set to depart from docks near Inn at the Quay and Port Royal every 15 minutes or so during peak hours (Monday to Friday – 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. and weekends – 11:10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and at 30-minute intervals at other times of the day. The ride between the two docks will take about five minutes. While many community members raved about last year’s demonstration project, some voiced concerns the ferry wasn’t accessible for people using wheelchairs or mobility aids. The ferries being used for this year’s full-scale service are capable of carrying two wheelchairs and four bicycles per trip. “Efforts to improve accessibility for users of all ages and mobility have been made to this year’s ferry service.The ferry
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