It was gratifying to read the two letters to the editor in the Saturday, March 23, Gazette from Mr. and Mrs. Duigou and Mr. Norm Harley. These two letters show there are folks in our community who are concerned with how this council makes decisions and recognition of the need for affordable housing.
In response to the Duigous’ quote made by Coun. Brodhead concerning common ground to move forward. There is common ground, as one of the terms in the proposed memorandum of agreement (MOA) states, “the goal of both parties is to expand St. Albert affordable housing options and generate support for affordable housing planning and delivery.” “Both parties acknowledge that implementation takes collaboration.” As the Duigous ask, council needs to take time with the Society to review the changes proposed and “returning to talks with the Society on the MOA for funding affordable housing in St. Albert.”
Mr. Harley is correct in stating provincial and federal governments have financial responsibility for affordable housing, however so do municipalities. As mentioned in the Our View editorial in the March 6 Gazette, “Those who are directly impacted by funding cuts to the society are no doubt asking a different question: does it matter?” “Ultimately, a society can be measured by how it helps the most needful.” In fact, many municipalities do provide financial support and when other levels of government look to providing financial assistance to local housing, they ask “what financial support does the local government provide?”
Mr. Harley has got it right that 100 per cent of net operating income from Big Lake Pointe should be used to purchase additional units. He is wrong, though, in stating this “Council has demonstrated leadership and fairness when it comes to funding social programs” as they imposed a Feb. 28, 2019, deadline for signing the MOA without taking the time to consider the MOA amendments proposed by the Society.
It is now time for council to show its willingness to review the proposed amendments and “walk the talk” to work collaboratively with the Society to negotiate a memorandum of agreement in the best interests of the community.
Malcolm Parker, director, St. Albert Housing Society
