I wasn’t sure whether to write about refugees coming to Canada, and possibly Richmond, or Tuesday’s hearing into Land Use Contracts, a policy that has, in part, lead to the proliferation of mega homes.
It turns out I can do both — in a round about way.
According to B.C.’s settlement services, Richmond is not slated to get any of the federal government-sponsored refugees that Ottawa has vowed to bring into the country.
Why? Housing prices. A refugee family of four is expected to live on $1,400 a month. Good luck finding housing for that in Richmond — never mind paying for heat, hydro, food and clothing.
Instead, the bulk of refugees coming to the Lower Mainland are being directed to Surrey, where housing is cheaper. In other words, the wealthiest communities will be supporting the fewest number of those in need. Also, given the vetting process, it’s likely a good number of our refugees will be school-aged kids. Surrey’s schools are overflowing while Richmond’s operate well below capacity.
There is something twisted, albeit predictable, about all this. Although there are many wealthy philanthropists, it’s also been shown that, on average, those in the lower tax brackets give a higher percentage of their income to charity than those in the highest.
But, it would be unfair to blame Richmondites for being uncharitable. The housing issue is largely beyond the average person’s control and while some are profiting hugely from prices that are making the city off limits to refugees, many locals are also suffering.
And this brings me to the issue of Land Use Contracts (LUCs). Obviously LUCs, which allow people to build massive mansions, are not the sole reason this city lacks affordable housing, but they contribute. They’ve helped inflate housing prices and deflate a sense of community. I can’t say I love the new “grain elevator” near my place that recently replaced a homey rancher with a yappy, white dog.
Housing is the bedrock of a community, and the housing we build says much about who we are. I, for one, think it’s a shame government-sponsored refugees won’t be coming to our community because we don’t have the diversity of housing that could support them. Some among us may say it’s just as well.
Those “outsiders,” particularly alienated youth, could create mayhem. Well, what better way to create disaffected youth, who in turn are more likely to create mayhem, than by keeping them “outsiders.”
If the people of Paris are able to stand tall through this crisis, refusing to stoop to hatred and division, then offering a safe haven for some stranded families is the least we could do. Oh right, we can’t — no affordable housing.
...And around we go.
