One day after city council imposed a three year moratorium on new social housing in five Edmonton neighbourhoods, those who support social housing are speaking out.
“We came here in August- best place ever,” said Quinn Smith who lives in affordable housing with his wife and their two children.
On Wednesday, the city put a three year freeze on funding subsidized housing in five inner-city neighbourhoods.
The communities affected are McCauley, Central McDougall, Queen Mary Park, Alberta Avenue and Eastwood.
The city’s decision means no more city funded social housing will be built in these neighbourhoods for the next three years.
Representatives from the Edmonton Inner City Housing Society aren’t happy with the decision. Executive Director, Cam McDonald says affordable housing doesn’t increase poverty or crime in a neighbourhood, he believes it does the opposite.
“We’re not here adding to poverty or being a detriment to the community,” McDonald said adding, “We think that if you have low income and you don’t have many housing options, if you’re living in a derelict property that’s really awful, why not come and live in a decent, modest, well maintained place that’s affordable and you can improve your standard of living.”
The Edmonton Social Planning Council had proposed that only certain types of social housing be subject to the moratorium, and believes the city came to a compromised decision. He hopes the next three years will spark a constructive debate.
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“If people are willing to be reasonable, I think there are solutions to be found,” Research Coordinator, John Kolkman said adding, “I think all city neighbourhoods need to step up to the plate and be willing to welcome, as neighbours, their fellow citizens who have a need for non-market housing.”
He says there is also a need to dispel some of the misconceptions around people who live in affordable housing.
“If there are housing providers with good track records in the community who are building the housing, they will do a good job running it, and the folks living in that housing can be excellent neighbours to others in the neighbourhood.”
As for Smith, he believes affordable housing works.
“We talk to our neighbours, everyone gets along, you’re not judged by anything. It’s like a family here.”
With files from Vinesh Pratap.
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