‘No-brainer proposals’

Dear Editor:

I’m writing in regards to the proposals for the four-storey buildings in Fergus and Elora. In the middle of a housing crisis I am shocked by the level of opposition to these proposals. The argument that adding an additional storey will ruin the character of either town is very flimsy and not persuasive, especially considering that adding the extra floor allows for better accessibility. 

Additionally, small business owners need support now more than ever and getting more downtown housing will increase the number of potential customers for downtown businesses and create convenient housing options for downtown employees. 

Currently Ontario is losing 319 acres of farmland per day and this pace will only accelerate if we don’t start approving proposals like these. If we don’t build up in downtown cores the only other option left is to build out and pave valuable farmland. 

I hope council decides to stop dragging its feet and approve these no-brainer proposals at the next council meeting.

James McCabe,
Wellington North