From The Vancouver Sun:
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Vancouver lawyer Dave Turner has been house hunting in the Vancouver area for years without success. He references an Australian restriction that prohibits foreigners from buying anything but new construction. “This would be an ideal solution for Vancouver.”
Turner, living in a rented Coal Harbour condo with his wife and daughter, says he has few neighbours because many of the suites, with views of Stanley Park and Burrard Inlet, are vacant.
“Nobody is enjoying these incredible views. I find it so offensive to the people of our city that the nicest places in town sit empty, while those living here are forced to move to Langley.”
Vancouver-area politicians, meanwhile, would like the issue of offshore buying to go away.
They cite a host of reasons why they cannot act, including that the issue is complex and no one knows the true extent of the problem, solutions would be unenforceable and could be bad for Vancouver’s economy, and potential action would require federal, provincial and municipal coordination.
Politicians also fear accusations of racism, lethal in multicultural Vancouver.
The Turners appear to be ignorant of the streets and buildings behind them. Of course waterfront buildings with mountain views are going to be pricey.