January 17, 2014

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DOES $1 TOLL ON BRIDGES MAKE SENSE?

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NEW HYACK PREZ PROMISES STABILITY

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GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR THRIFTY’S

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FRIDAY

JANUARY 17 2014 www.newwestnewsleader.com

So you’re single? Why not have some fun and check out these five fun coupes for the single life? See Page A16

Critic targets city’s living wage Fraser Institute says policy hurts those it aims to help Grant Granger

ggranger@newwestnewsleader.com

MARIO BARTEL/NEWSLEADER

A new pedestrian overpass will link the foot of Fourth Street, at the east end of the parkade, to Westminster Pier Park, near the city market structure at Lytton Square. The city approved a contract to build the overpass this week. See Story on Page A5

Is laneway housing on the way? City to begin process of introducing the ‘affordable housing’ alternative to city Grant Granger

ggranger@newwestnewsleader.com

Laneway housing could be on the way in New Westminster by the end of the year. Council has approved looking into the interest and feasibility of introducing laneway and coach houses similar to those allowed by the City of Vancouver.

Although two councillors said really appreciate the crisis in laneway housing is something affordable housing we’re having.” that should be discussed as part However, Couns. Bill Harper of the official community and Chuck Puchmayr plan process, Coun. Jaimie said laneway housing isn’t McEvoy said that would take something that should be two years or more and the dealt with separately from the city is in need of affordable overall planning of the city. housing. “This is a very significant “We’ve got people out change in the direction of HARPER there ready to do it, and the city, and this requires a we’re putting them off,” healthy notice and a healthy, said McEvoy at Monday’s council lengthy debate,” said Puchmayr. “As meeting. “People care [about much as I think we need affordable affordable housing] but they don’t housing in the city, I don’t think

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laneway housing provides affordable housing in the city, and at the same time it puts stress on single-family neighbourhoods.” He added laneway housing opens up an avenue to developers looking to increase their profits and creates “huge sustainability issues.” “I’m very concerned what is dying in North America, and that is single-family neighbourhoods,” he said. Their motion to refer the discussion to the OCP process was defeated.

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With other Canadian cities looking to follow New Westminster’s lead, the Fraser Institute has attacked living wage laws— saying they’re not aiding those they’re intended to help. In 2010, New West became the first city in Canada to adopt the policy. So far it’s been the only one. The legislation requires all city employees and contract employees to be paid at a rate that keeps them above the poverty line, currently $19.62 per hour. Fraser Institute’s Charles Lammam said several cities including Calgary, Ottawa and Waterloo, Ont., are contemplating similar legislation. However, his research on the experience in the US., where 140 cities have adopted it, reveals it actually hurts lowpaid workers. While some benefit from a higher wage, the gain comes at the expense of others because of fewer employment opportunities. Please see POLICY, A3


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January 17, 2014 by Black Press Media Group - Issuu