I have a renewed confidence in policy. The mayor of Abbotsford was definitely correct to vote against the proposed low income housing proposal. The argument was that there was not enough community consultation. The Second Stage Housing project in Mission was thrust upon our humble neighbourhood and this regardless of the negative feedback from the immediate neighbourhood. We as homeowners were apparently sent all the literature, none of which I have seen to this day and regardless of requests it has still not been presented. There was a petition that went around against the facility citing this was not the proper location, the individual subsequently sold their house and moved. People voiced their opinions at city council meetings and it all fell on deaf ears. The facility was sold to the neighborhood as a women’s shelter; however, when the facility opened we found out later that it was to house people tackling mental illness, homelessness, drug addiction and people fresh out of jail. The kicker is that these facilities charge rent to the tenants so the tenants are protected under the Tenancy Act making zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol pretty much unenforceable. Leaving the question of how can this facility be helping addicts? Again, good for you business owners and residents of the area in Abbotsford, you have preserved your neighborhood.
Y. Edwards
