GROW-OP PROFITS DOUBLY AFFECT RENTAL SQUEEZE

I agree that the rental crunch is due, in part, to rental housing
being used for grow-ops ["Grow-ops shrink rentals", Jan. 24-31]. I
would say there is another way that grow-ops are affecting housing in
this area.

In my opinion, the high real-estate prices in Metro Vancouver are
due, in large part, to the investment of profits-from grow-ops and
other lucrative criminal activities-in downtown condos. It's obvious
from the lack of occupancy of a large percentage of these units that
they are an investment only. This puts the option of home ownership
out of the reach of a great many working people and, therefore, puts
more demand on rental housing.

Bob McKinnon

Vancouver