The man at the forefront of St. Albert’s affordable housing issues for the past several years has made an exit from that stage.
Stanley Haroun has resigned from the board of the St. Albert Housing Society, an organization he chaired for three years.
“That’s about what I envisioned to be in the position and it’s time for new blood and new ideas to take over,” he said.
Before the housing society formed in December 2007, the city had an affordable housing advisory board. Between the two organizations, Haroun was chair for six years.
Haroun highlighted numerous achievements during his time on the board, such as a study that showed a great need for affordable housing in St. Albert. Under his tenure, the group also studied the concept of legalizing basement suites and convinced city council to adopt a program that has since gone on to create 58 units.
“It’s not my achievement. It’s a team effort,” Haroun said.
However, the one big win that eluded him was a completed rental complex, a desired project that has failed three times to secure provincial funding.
“I must admit that I was very disappointed, especially with the last proposal,” Haroun said.
The last proposal was for Big Lake Pointe, a rental complex slated for North Ridge. The city donated land for the project and the board thought it had a very good proposal. It learned earlier this year that it had been turned down for the second straight year.
“Is it disappointing? Yes it is. Obviously all of us would have preferred to see something happening much sooner,” Haroun said.
He noted that, based on feedback from a consultant the society hired, it takes organizations an average of five years to succeed in building a project.
“We’re getting there. Are we getting there fast enough? Perhaps not, but the experts tell us it takes time to get a substantial project in place,” he said.
Local lawyer David McGreer took over as housing society chair in late 2010. The board has also added new members and is in good shape for the future, Haroun said.
“I think the board will carry on and will do a fantastic job based on the people that I know on that board.”
Haroun ran unsuccessfully for city council three times, including last fall, as well as carrying the Liberal banner in one federal election. He founded the St. Albert Theatre Arts Guild in July 2010 and wants to be more actively involved with the group, which is working on its second season.
Coun. Malcolm Parker, council’s liaison to the housing society, took a moment at Monday’s council meeting to thank Haroun for his public service.
“He certainly raised the profile of affordable housing in the community, put a lot and effort into it and brought us to the point where we are now,” Parker said.
