Two days ago, I told someone that post-boom Vancouver reminded me of a Potemkin village (historical reference).

The hodgepodge of residential developments and soulless shopping destinations, with no social cohesion or cultural identity... Fake as a Hollywood movie set.

Also probably why Vancouver film is such a big thing. Why build sets when they already did it for you?

She told me of all the shoddy construction and ugly problems in brand-new structures.

I quoted a real estate insider I knew briefly, who said the developers were basically writing themselves a check.

I rent a detached house in the burbs, built before 1980. Not planning to move until I leave Canada (few more years).

No need to apologize. We all have to pay the stupid high Vancouver bills.