Lack of affordable housing in St. Albert is a community problem. Everyone who lives in St. Albert has to be involved in its solution and should, and must have an opinion.
If we leave it to local neighbourhoods alone to make decisions for the entire community we will never address the issue. The project proposed for Akinsdale, which I strongly support, will only begin to address the shortage of affordable housing in our city. All areas of St. Albert will need to include a component for affordable housing in any future developments or expansions.
The site in Akinsdale is not designated parkland! It is readily accessible to transportation, to schools and to shopping, all ideal requirements for an affordable housing project.
For too long we have talked about this problem that forces seniors with fixed incomes, young people starting out in life, those living on AISH and single parent families to leave our community because they can’t afford to live here. The arguments for and against this project have failed to hear the voices of these people, our most vulnerable citizens.
Within the last month the City of Airdrie voted approval for a Habitat for Humanity project in their community by rezoning existing parkland to make it possible. Let us have the same courage and foresight. City council is charged with making decisions for the entire community and now is the time to give priority to the need for affordable housing in St. Albert.
Percy Zalasky, St. Albert
