In fact Yuknon, I have lived here all my life and I live in a large condo building downtown which restricts the number of rentals allowed. There are several absentee owners (including two who were transferred temporarily) who would like to rent out their units but cannot do so since there is a waiting list. 
In addition, I look out of my window at a large vacant piece of land which the owner is simply sitting on in the hope that the zoning changes. They pay very low taxes based on the bare land to hold this property. 
In the meantime, my children cannot find anywhere to rent and the very small inventory of those that are for sale are sold at auction on the Monday after the weekend open houses. I think that I know far more about Vancouver than you ever will and I find your comment offensive.