Editor:
An open letter to Mayor McCallum and Surrey City Council
I have a disability, but I am able to live independently with some support. I want to live independently just like other people do. I am one of the lucky ones. I live in Chorus Apartments in South Surrey where I get the support I need to live independently. I volunteer at a seniors home and the food bank. I love where I live!
I would like to thank Couns. Locke, Pettigrew and Hundial for agreeing that the Harmony apartment proposal by UNITI is a much-needed, affordable, inclusive housing project for South Surrey. To Mayor McCallum and Couns. Guerra, Nagra, Elford and Patton, I say, “shame on you” for opposing the Harmony project to provide affordable inclusive housing in South Surrey.
Where are people with disabilities whose families and support networks are in South Surrey supposed to live? Where are seniors on fixed incomes that have been priced out of South Surrey supposed to live?
Where are frontline workers, teachers and others who work in South Surrey supposed to live?
Your own planning report stated that, ‘based on the significant public benefit that will be realized through the creation of 91 new affordable and inclusive housing units, including supportive units for persons with disabilities, as well as the substantial show of community support for the proposal, and the benefits of the proposed improvement to the Semiahmoo Trail, staff recommends approval of the project.
Since you, Mayor McCallum, and Couns. Guerra, Nagra, Elford and Patton turned down Harmony, I suggest that you find homes for the 200 individuals and families who wanted to make Harmony their home.
Tracie Sheppard, Surrey
