National

Here are some facts about British Columbia's housing market

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 17 Oct, 2024 10:10 AM

Housing affordability is a key issue in the provincial election campaign in British Columbia, particularly in major centres.

Here are some statistics about housing in B.C. from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's 2024 Rental Market Report, issued in January, and the B.C. Real Estate Association's August 2024 report.

Average residential home price in B.C.: $938,500

Average price in greater Vancouver (2024 year to date): $1,304,438

Average price in greater Victoria (2024 year to date): $979,103

Average price in the Okanagan (2024 year to date): $748,015

Average two-bedroom purpose-built rental in Vancouver: $2,181

Average two-bedroom purpose-built rental in Victoria: $1,839

Average two-bedroom purpose-built rental in Canada: $1,359

Rental vacancy rate in Vancouver: 0.9 per cent

How much more do new renters in Vancouver pay compared with renters who have occupied their home for at least a year: 27 per cent

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Merritt, B.C., to pilot four-day work week

Merritt’s chief administrative officer says the one-year trial, approved by council on Tuesday, will see city hall closed on Mondays, with operational hours extended Tuesday through Friday to 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., an extra hour and 45 minutes each day.

Merritt, B.C., to pilot four-day work week

Canada lifting COVID-19 border rules Sept. 30

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has agreed to let a cabinet order enforcing mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements at the Canadian border expire at the end of this month. The change will also bring an end to COVID-19 border testing, which is currently mandatory for unvaccinated international travellers and random for those who are vaccinated.

Canada lifting COVID-19 border rules Sept. 30

B.C. adds $2 million for suicide prevention, care

Malcolmson says the money will be spread across regional health authorities to provide training and resources for health workers caring for people experiencing a mental health crisis, with the aim of reducing suicide deaths. Malcolmson's ministry says the provincial coroners service investigated 582 suicide deaths last year, down from 597 in 2020 and 634 in 2019.

B.C. adds $2 million for suicide prevention, care

B.C. seniors' financial support 'lowest in Canada'

Mackenzie says a report released by her office finds the province provides the lowest support for seniors in nine areas, including home support, eye exams, hearing aids and monthly supplements.

B.C. seniors' financial support 'lowest in Canada'

Ongoing homicide investigation leads to arrest on Canada-wide warrant of Arjun Purewal

A Canada-wide warrant was issued for Purewal late last month after he removed the ankle monitor he was wearing while on bail. He was awaiting sentencing for his part in a 2021 kidnapping in Richmond when he was last seen in Coquitlam on Aug. 26.

Ongoing homicide investigation leads to arrest on Canada-wide warrant of Arjun Purewal

Study links long COVID and autoimmune disease

Some long COVID patients suffering symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath are showing signs of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, suggests a Canadian study that builds on similar findings elsewhere.