Editor:
Re: “Sitting pretty on the Coast,” Editorial, Dec. 11.
Is the growing income inequality at the foundation of our housing crisis? Why is this basic necessity such a terrible beast to get under control? It’s clear that our local governments certainly can’t do it all on their own.
Where will all those who work in retail, take care of the elderly or work in the various layers of health care live? Can we really expect to attract more of these essential workers if they can’t afford to live here?
Should speculation on a basic necessity really be an acceptable way to profit?
Can the empty homes tax be expanded to our region?
Can a wealth tax be dedicated to affordable rentals be instituted?
Can we have greater support for the cooperative non-profit housing model? Can we have effective policing of short-term rentals?
No doubt there are many great ideas out there but is there the political will to bring them in?
Whether we are fortunate enough to have stable housing or not, we are all deeply affected by this crisis as it eats away at the very essence of our society. Like a slow poison, it’s a rot that I fear will ultimately bring down the house around us no matter how privileged we may be.
There are many suffering this injustice and they are our friends, our neighbours, our families; one doesn’t have to dig too deep. It is time for all levels of government to hit this problem hard.
Alan Sirulnikoff, Gibsons
