Editor: I was very upset about the article in The Times on Feb. 14, regarding the housing action plan.
Where consultant Linda Allen obtained her facts about manufactured home parks I do not know, but they are wrong.
They are not a unique Langley issue, as these parks are across B.C. There are more than 26,000 residential units in B.C. alone. There are many others all over North America. What region is she talking about? Please be more specific.
Locally, these parks are in Surrey, Abbotsford and Chilliwack, as well as the Township of Langley.
They provide very affordable housing, and as they are generally a community in themselves, save the government untold dollars, as neighbour looks after neighbour, thus saving the cost of extended care, assisted living, etc.
Residents of these parks do not want rental accommodation in apartments or something similar, be it affordable or not, as they are already living in affordable accommodation, which includes land and privacy.
The residents of these parks do not want to rent, where there are untold numbers of other units sharing walls. We want our four walls and our own gardens, and our own lifestyle. We need more manufactured home parks.
It is very surprising that the Township of Langley does not encourage more parks to be built, as it is alternative affordable living for seniors. However, the developers and builders do not like these parks, as they cost less to set up, and they cannot charge the high rents or have the selling price they would like.
Has Allen, or any reporter, or council members driven around the parks to see what they are like? Have they walked into any of the homes they wish to destroy to see how nice they are? You have an open invitation.
With the proposed community plans, it will eventually place up to about 900 seniors in the Township alone, who are in their 70s, 80s and 90s (who have lived in their homes for years) with the upsetting prospect of having to sell their homes and move in with relatives or care homes. as they cannot afford to live in the so-called affordable living that will be available, according to government thinking.
Maureen Spender,
Langley
