Dear Editor,
Someone once told me that democracy begins in conversation because it is in conversation that we learn to care about one another.
It is in conversation that we exchange ideas and hear the other side. It is in conversation that we learn to understand and question and see new ideas.
When the city brings people together, like last week’s public hearing, they will find the best answers from the community they serve.
We have an opportunity to help our elected officials understand what is going on around our neighbourhoods.
The lack of affordable housing and design issues are two great challenges that we face in Richmond, and I applaud the mayor and council for their continued efforts in a transparent and collaborative approach.
There is now a broader awareness that something needs to change in order to improve the current situation.
Despite ongoing challenges, the city continues with its work by pressing the development industry to build more affordable, livable, housing that works. It is unlikely that the housing challenges facing us in Richmond will disappear anytime soon.
However, it is important for us to continue to find ways to keep more families in Richmond and in order to achieve this goal, we need to continue to work together.
Let’s not forget that we’re all in this together, and we will find the right solutions.
Sal Bhullar
Richmond
