Mary Howley

Leslie did a great job explaining the critical situation of affordable housing in Victoria. But this situation has been ignored for years , and it comes down to greed on the part of developers . Why would they build affordable housing (which by the waytheir workers require to live in ) when the can build million dollar condos for the million dollar retirees. So now what does the average working person in Victoria have to do to find accommodation . ? We are faced with bidding wars on apartments , there are 15 peole lining up to view any respectable apartment . Lack of foresight on behalf ofvthe province and the city 10-15 years ago could have prevented this crisis , and what is the region going to do in 10-15 years when all us poor working class renters need affordable senior housing . As you see it is not just a current crisis - it started years ago and it will continue if someone doesnt pick up the reins and take charge and think outside the box . There can be tiny home communities , manufactured home communities, that can be sustainable and affordable . Instead of spending taxpayers money going to China to buy steel , how about checking out Sweden and Denmark on how to build sustainable affordable housing . They have had it figured out for years . I would suggest each city councillor, each politician and each developer try apartment hunting, for affordable accomadation ( mot luxury accommodation) their eyes will be opened and I am sure a remedy will be forthcoming . Mary Howley Victoria