Who Can Afford a Home in BC Now? Not the People Who Built This Province

 By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

I recently read that you need a $125,000 salary to buy a home in BC. My first thought? Who actually makes that kind of money? Because I sure don’t—and most people I know never have.

Let me take you back.

In 1999, I was working a tech job, doing night shifts and overtime. I earned around $45,000—a decent wage for the time. But after taxes, nearly $10,000 was gone. I was working hard, sacrificing sleep, and still barely getting ahead.

Fast forward a few years, I worked as a nanny—an essential, caring job—and made about $24,000 a year. Try living on that in Vancouver today. Many people are lucky if they make $30,000 or $40,000 working full-time. And now we’re told we need $125,000 just to buy a modest home?

How Did We Get Here?

It didn’t used to be like this.

In the '80s and '90s, you could earn a working-class wage and eventually buy a home, even in cities like Vancouver. A single income household could sometimes manage. You didn't need to be rich—you just needed stability, hard work, and a little luck.

Now, even two full-time incomes aren’t enough.

This shift didn't happen overnight. Housing became a commodity, not a human right. Global investors, financial speculation, unchecked development, and policies that ignored everyday people led to a system where only the wealthy—or the already-housed—can win.

Add in Trump’s trade war, pandemic inflation, rising interest rates, and the cost of everything from lumber to lettuce shot up. Our wages didn’t keep up. And people like me—artists, caregivers, workers, parents—were left behind.

Newcomers: You’re Not Alone

If you’re new to BC and struggling, I see you. You may be wondering why everyone seems to have it so good—while you’re hustling just to make rent.

The truth is, many long-time residents are struggling too. We remember a time when this place was livable. But over the decades, it’s become a province that rewards speculation, not contribution

What Can We Do?

We need to:

Tell our stories. The truth gets buried under glossy developer ads and government spin.

Push for policy change. Real rent control, better wages, and non-market housing.

Support each other. Community matters now more than ever.

Housing shouldn’t be a dream only for the rich. It’s a basic need—and we all deserve dignity.

Have a story about housing in BC?  Let’s raise our voices—together.

Who was Robin Hood

Robin Hood is a legendary English folk hero, often depicted as an outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. His story has evolved over centuries through ballads, literature, and film, making him one of the most enduring figures in folklore.

Origins and Early Stories

The earliest references to Robin Hood date back to the late 14th and early 15th centuries in English ballads. These early tales describe him as a skilled archer and swordsman living in Sherwood Forest, leading a band of outlaws called the Merry Men. His main adversary was the Sheriff of Nottingham, who enforced unjust laws and oppressed the poor.

Some of the oldest ballads, like A Gest of Robyn Hode, show Robin as a yeoman—a free commoner, not noble but not a serf—who rebelled against corrupt authorities. Later retellings introduced noble origins, portraying him as Sir Robin of Locksley, a dispossessed nobleman fighting against Prince John while King Richard the Lionheart was away on the Crusades.

Key Figures in the Legend

• Maid Marian – His love interest and sometimes a skilled fighter herself.
• Little John – His right-hand man, known for his great strength and skill with a quarterstaff.
• Friar Tuck – A rebellious clergyman who joins Robin’s cause.
• Will Scarlet – A sometimes hot-tempered but loyal member of the Merry Men.
• Sheriff of Nottingham – The corrupt enforcer of Prince John’s rule and Robin’s main enemy.
• Prince John – The greedy and unjust ruler in many versions of the legend.

Themes and Legacy

Robin Hood’s story reflects resistance against tyranny, economic inequality, and the importance of justice. His motto, “steal from the rich and give to the poor,” represents a challenge to the idea that wealth should remain in the hands of the powerful.

The legend has been adapted into countless books, movies, and TV shows, each adding new twists. Some versions emphasize his role as a patriot fighting for King Richard, while others focus on his defiance of feudal corruption.

Was Robin Hood Real?

There is no definitive historical proof that Robin Hood was a real person. However, some historians believe the legend may have been inspired by multiple real-life outlaws in medieval England. The name Robin Hood or similar variations appear in historical records from the 13th and 14th centuries as a term for bandits or fugitives.

Modern Relevance

Robin Hood remains a symbol of social justice and redistribution of wealth. His story has been reinterpreted in discussions about class struggle, government corruption, and even modern activism.

Fabulously Excellent-Burning Man - Dr. Suess-Video

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Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+



OH WOW!!! YOU JUST HAVE TO CHECK THIS OUT!! Super Cool! If you have a safety on your Youtube (I did for Angel) you'll have to take it off as there's the tiniest bit of bare bottom, otherwise, .... It's really FABULOUSLy EXCELLENT! It's Dr. Suess and it's really AMAZING. Check It Out!

We Really Miss You Moma

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Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 

Mother's Day is tough.
It's been tough since I lost my mom in 2007, and I can finally talk about it now with out getting all teary and choking up. That just sort of happened in the last few months. Not sure what it is, peace, calm, numbness.

It's Angel that cries. They say 8 is really hard because that's when children realize we are mortal. She misses her Grama so much lately and cries often. Tonight I spent along time consoling her.

Angel helping Grama do her buttons

She says how much she misses her soft, soft skin. She wants to give a letter to the mailman, get him to take it to the wizards and get them to turn back time. She wants to give Grama a big Smooch and make little wool doll for her.

My mom - by Tina Winterlik © 2011

I feel like a big meany. I'm not overwhelmed with tears and grief, I'm dried up, it took 4 years, but I don't feel the deep empty sadness that caused the tears to flow whenever I thought her.

This last move was tough and I shed a lot of tears then, I have alot of my mom's things and when I unpacked them from storage they brought out tons of memories and emotions.  Maybe that's why I feel peaceful, I feel her all around me.

I feel sad for Angel. Losing her Grama so young, I only had my Grama til I was 18 but still I had her for so much longer than Angel. We have lovely surrogate grandmas that have stepped up to the plate and comforted and played Grandma for Angel, but still it's not the same and they aren't around all the time so it's hard for my little cherub, and that fact she has no grandparents sucks.

 Part of me starts to say, "Well if you hadn't had her at 40" but you can what if things to death. It's just life.

This is life.

I guess my point in all this is don't take your family for granted, EVER

Various Family Photo- Copyrighted

Document Life. Take tons of photos & video. Video is beautiful, it captures sound. Record your parents and children's stories.

I miss my mom's voice, I didn't have a video camera til later, and I don't even have a phone message of my mom's voice. I wish I could hear her.  I can if I concentrate, or a memory triggers it, but I'd love to hear her voice again.

I'm the one with the Teddy bear

I don't mean to be a bummer on Mother's Day!

I just want you to Really Appreciate the People you Love and That Love You.

Go out and Hug everyone & "Tell Them You Love Them." 


Don't hold back, you've got nothing to lose.