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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: High rents are reality for Nanaimo residents

Results of City of Nanaimo’s tenant survey shouldn’t shock anyone, says letter writer
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Tenants in Nanaimo aren’t shocked by unaffordable rent, says letter writer. (Black Press file photo)

To the editor,

Re: Tenant survey finds shocking amounts going to pay rent, July 14.

What planet is the mayor living on that he found this survey shocking? Any look at the pay of retail/restaurant/service jobs in this town should make the survey results a no-brainer.

Look at the rents advertised as ‘affordable’ housing in Nanaimo. I’ve seen one-bedroom apartments, in more than one building listed as affordable, that start at $1,250 per month. You’d have to bring home over $4,000 a month for that to be 30 per cent. That’s $25-per-hour wage for a one bedroom.

Glad the mayor is comfortable enough to think it’s no biggie. No wonder Nanaimo has such a homelessness problem.

Melanie Kirk, Nanaimo

READ ALSO: City of Nanaimo’s population reaches 100,000


The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin.

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