Editor:
It amazes me that not one candidate in the Gibsons municipal election has mentioned the two giant gaping holes in the town: The George and Gospel Rock. How did we come to this embarrassing situation? Clearly, trusting developers and their politicians has not worked. It is time for another approach.
I suggest the town, the province and federal governments build cooperative housing on both sites. (I’m sure both developers would love to be bought out in this shaky economy).
But what does cooperative housing look like? My wife and I lived in this kind of housing in Steveston because no landlord would accept a young family. The make-up of the residents was one quarter on social assistance and three quarters reduced market rents based on income. We all got along and managed our complex democratically. The complex had a wonderful view of Georgia Strait. Realizing that their current housing strategy has failed, the federal government is finally looking at this model again.
We could build a small complex at both sites more acceptable to the wishes of the citizens of Gibsons and built in a way that would protect the aquafer and the ecology at Gospel Rock.
I know, some will think that the poor shouldn’t get such nice real estate. Why should they get anything for free? Ask yourself why the house you bought for $400,000 is now worth over a million. Wasn’t that for free? We need a mixed policy on housing that benefits all citizens.
This approach solves the problem of affordable housing in Gibsons. It would employ local trades people while housing young families. Most of all, it would bring a conclusion to the tragedy of The George and Gospel Rock. Is there one politician who will stand up for housing sanity?
Peter Hill, Gibsons
