Today, I filled out the Provincial Affordable Housing Strategy Engagement survey online.
Neighbourhood development, when it comes to affordable housing requires a lot more thought than providing a roof. Access to community amenities is also important. Residents who are students, have mobility issues, are on fixed incomes or are struggling to meet the basic physiological needs of Maslow’s pyramid often don’t have the means to drive and even if they do, the costs of owning a vehicle go far beyond any “living within your means” objective.
The St. Albert Gazette recently published an article with the alarming headline “Suicide attempts spike in St. Albert: average of one every day.” Certainly, the economic downturn is a contributing factor. But, there’s also a misconception that presumes that a roof over your head is all we need. But, a roof doesn't make you more resilient or capable of independence. There’s another misconception that a roof will make you happier. For someone who never dreamed they’d have a permanent, secure roof over their head; having a home must be an incredible feeling. But, how long does that euphoria last? Eventually, you realize that a roof won't solve all your problems and for some people that realization is mentally devastating.
When I moved here, North Ridge was growing west towards Ray Gibbon and Ville Giroux hadn’t even broken ground yet. Nearby, St. Albert seemed to be tackling an issue that has contributed to an often times negative stigma “Only affluent families live in St. Albert.” Affordable housing was finally a priority. The St. Albert Housing Society, promoted “Big Lake Pointe” as a positive beginning to the affordable housing crisis.
Sure it was on the edge of the city, hidden away from the conveniences of commercial development. It wasn’t built close to recreational amenities or even accessible transportation like a bus terminal. That was OK though, because Ville Giroux would bring many of the amenities families need right outside their door. For years, there was signage splashing promises of a soon-to-be commercial zone that would offer many close-to-home amenities. There were even conceptual drawings showing a grocery store (the first one in this city not built on the trail), a coffee shop or restaurant, maybe a bakery or salon. Even today, the St. Albert Housing Society advertises “Big Lake Pointe” as situated across the street from a planned Northwest Urban Village Centre. It all sounds really impressive but, so far the only thing available to anyone exploring this exciting urban village is more housing and not a single amenity in sight.
Other nearby lands are now reserved for light industrial development. There’s little hope that this “Urban Village” will even have a convenience store from which one could purchase a jug of milk. Let alone accessible services that might actually benefit individuals requiring affordable housing.
Surprising? But, even those of us who don’t live in affordable housing out here in the urban sprawl of west St. Albert wouldn’t mind having a convenience store or a coffee shop nearby.
Perhaps, the next time you’re approached by yet another developer who wants to amend a neighbourhood ASP to squeeze in a few more houses, please consider squeezing in a few amenities at the same time. Perhaps a nice walking/bicycle path too; so we can actually commute there without starting up a vehicle.
Saylor McLennan, St. Albert
