Dear Editor,
As a champion of Richmond’s Affordable Housing Strategy in 2007 and implementer of the five-per-cent developer contribution to affordable housing, it is important for residents to know the following facts.
City council voted on Nov. 15 to increase developer contributions in the city centre from 10 to 15 percent for developments over 60 units.
Two decades ago, Richmond did not have an affordable or rental housing policy because such things were the responsibility of the senior levels of government.
Municipalities were not considered a partner.
Since then, the city has done the following:
Approved almost 610 affordable non-market and supportive housing units for low-income residents — Kiwanis Towers (296), Cadence (15), Storeys (129), The Orchid (9), Alderbridge (40), Pathways (80), and Bridgeport (40).
Approved 850 market rental units and 900 Low-End Market Rental (LEMR) residences.
Made developers provide 1,200 units in secondary suites and coach houses.
Supported 90 shelter spaces for residents experiencing homelessness.
Richmond currently has 650 rental units under review and work is underway on a mandatory market rental policy.
The commitment to create and provide more affordable housing continues.
Addressing the housing issue is not something the city can — or should — do alone.
Residents should contact their provincial and federal representatives to advocate for action and involvement.
Housing is something we are all responsible for and, together, we can impact change.
We have a long way to go and there is more to do as our population increases.
We need people who will support our city’s positive efforts to obtain more affordable housing, not create roadblocks because of ideology or other personal issues.
Bill McNulty
RICHMOND CITY
COUNCILLOR
