Editor:
Since the expansion to Arthur’s wastewater treatment plant, there has been a massive boom on building houses. There have also been many apartments created.
This should be a good thing. However, there is a major problem. None of these are affordable housing. The houses are upwards of $1 million. The apartments aren’t much more than bachelor apartments. The rent is Toronto-style rent. This is Arthur, we’re a small farming community. Many of our residents are living on minimum wage.
None of these apartments were made for families and seniors have been left out completely. It seems like the entire country is on strike for a “cost of living increase.” I guarantee you that seniors don’t get this increase.
We are in desperate need of:
– an apartment building similar to the 32-unit one at the north end of town. It must be affordable rent, not high-end rent, with one-, two- and three-bedroom units; and
– a seniors complex. We have one with about 12 units. However, only a few dozen have been privileged over the years to occupy these units. We need about a 24-to-36-unit complex that is available to all seniors.
This also must be affordable rent, not high-end. Our seniors have absolutely nowhere to go except the nursing home. However, many aren’t ready for this, but their house has gotten too much. They want to downsize. For many, their children who are struggling to work and are busy with their own families, are forced to help their parents as well.
I wish it was possible for our council to put a halt on houses and search for someone who is interested in our seniors and apartments for families.
We do not need more low-income apartments. We need affordable housing.
Janice Wilson,
Arthur