Richmond workers can’t afford to live there

Workers in Richmond, BC can’t afford to live in the city and could cause huge problems for local businesses.

The Richmond Chamber of Commerce says housing costs are pricing workers out of the city and its research shows that 65 per cent of employees at city firms commute with 60 per cent citing unaffordability of homes.

Chamber chair Rob Akimow told CBC that the average price of a detached home is $1.7 million and he says government policy, especially the Agricultural Land Reserve and airport-related height restrictions.

"Density is the key," Akimow said. "We would encourage and advocate for all levels of government to continue to build our regional strategy with respect to affordable housing and densification."
 

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