From Wiarton to Sauble Beach, Howdenvale to Lion’s Head, Cape Chin to Tobermory I am hearing from parishioners and community members about housing shortages. How is this possible on a Peninsula where so many houses are locked up all winter long? How is it possible that people are homeless in an area with so many unoccupied homes? Is basic housing – basic shelter with heat, running water, septic and hydro – a right or a privilege?
In October, a water treatment company came to my home in the North Peninsula, to service the well water filtration system. From the service technician, who has been in the business for over a decade in this area, I learnt that the bacterial content in peninsula well water is rising. These elevated bacteria levels are being observed in water samples further and further north. Not surprising, given the number of septic systems being built to support homes which do not have access to municipal sewage systems or municipal water systems. Are our poopy septic systems ultimately leaking into our water table?
Housing: the kind that is affordable or attainable relies on municipal services in order to even get built. Affordable and attainable housing is necessary to build stable, healthy, year-round communities.
When a developer or builder has to provide their own water supply or their own sewage system for each unit they build, those costs have to be passed on to the renter or buyer. The result is housing costs which are out of reach of the ordinary person. This makes basic housing a privilege. I would like to suggest that basic housing is a right. Food, clothing, shelter, safety – aren’t these basic human rights?
By digging and questioning, I am finding that there are deep pockets of concern amongst many groups of people, but how are we organizing as communities to address these concerns? And how is the lack of organizing affecting the very environment that so many of us move here to enjoy?
Can our churches offer some kind of scaffolding for community organizing, with which to tackle the housing and services shortage? If you feel we can, please get in touch with me.
Pastor Janaki Bandara
janakibandara@diohuron.org
519-588-7701
