The soon-to-be-opened Rogers Place has been a topic of much excitement in my household. My father regularly checks the construction progress on his iPad, which is typically met with an eye roll from my mother and I. The Live View section of the Rogers’ website offers a 24/7 view of both the exterior and interior of the new arena, to further excite hockey fans. Hockey fan or not, many are excited by the prospect of a revived downtown. The problem? Gentrification.
The new arena has been built in the core of Edmonton’s downtown. Neighbouring the Boyle Street area, many surrounding apartment buildings are home to low-income families. As of Aug. 1, many residents in this area received notice of a rent increase of up to $300, according to a report by the Edmonton Journal. Many of these residents are collecting welfare, handicap or medical assistance cheques. Rent increases are legal, given three months notice, however, the financial assistance these residents are receiving does not accommodate such increases. The rent increases are not a financial possibility, and are not a worthy amount, considering the state of the buildings. Tenants have complained of pests, graffiti, lack of carpeting or suitable flooring, and insulation issues.
Due to the lack of suitable housing, many residents of this area have voiced their concerns to the government, with a disappointing response. Many of these residents have suffered from mental health issues, addiction and homelessness, and have no other options that are financially suitable. With millions of tax dollars having been placed into the new arena, it is clear where the municipal government’s priorities lie.
“We are investing $1.2 billion over five years in building affordable and seniors housing, providing additional tools to municipalities to help them build housing,” Tina Faiz, spokeswoman for Service Alberta, said. “We will continue to consider input and ideas from everyday Albertans and experts about how to support Albertans, and make housing of all kinds as affordable as possible.”
While Faiz’s response offers some hope, this housing plan will take considerable time – time that the residents of downtown Edmonton cannot afford. In just less than three months, many downtown tenants will be forced into homelessness, which, for some, is not a new experience.
Having access to housing is just one step in combating poverty, however, it is arguably one of the most important.
Bob Black, Katz Group executive vice president, stated that there was “something for everybody in this building, at every price point … something for every demographic.” If the existence of the arena is forcing people into homelessness, I hardly doubt they will have the financial means for a hot dog at the arena concession.
For those working in human rights, this process has been especially frustrating, as their concerns in regards to this housing issue were brought to attention as soon as the arena was conceptualized. However, those concerns were not met with any kind of viable solution.
Many Edmontonians, especially the hockey fans, are excited about the prospect of having one of the finest arenas in the world. At what point do we stop advocating for those living in poverty, to suit our own frivolous expectations?
While I can appreciate hockey and the pride the new arena elicits, I think it is time citizens start advocating for those in poverty and support solutions to the gentrification of our city.
Jennifer Hamilton is a local student and writer.
