The following letter is in response to Mr Beemer’s letter “Another SHS Housing Study?”
Mr Beemer,
Your point about all the “studies” has not been lost on the Housing Committee. It is not like we don’t know the problem. And we are definitely not alone in the problem. I guess one difference is that some of the studies have been from different levels of government and may not be focused on our area. Some may target a specific demographic. The Spark study was primarily focused on getting current short term landlords to rent long term. Yes, we are concerned about “survey overload” and frustration.
The most important difference is that this is a committee of council, and our end result needs to not only come up with some possible solutions, but to have all of our ducks line up… including data. This data, including surveys and consultants report would support possible zoning changes, and very importantly, applications for possible upper level government funding. This will be necessary, even for possible private developers.
Since we are very much not alone in this issue, the competition for this limited funding will be fierce. At the last housing meeting, I asked the consultants how they felt we could “set ourselves apart” and present the fact that this area is important to the entire province and beyond… and we need to maintain a healthy, year round community that includes young and old. We can’t be just a “summer playground”. They assured us, that indeed, they realize the issue, will present the special assets and needs of this area in the report.
It is indeed a big challenge. I hope everyone will stay engaged.
Smokey Golden
