Editor’s note: This is the second column in a two-part series on housing issues in Squamish. Giffen’s first column, “Socioeconomic divide becomes clear as development increases,” was published on June 7.
Perhaps one of the most devastating consequences of the high cost of housing in Squamish is the high numbers of Skwxwu7mesh people who have left their own traditional lands because they can no longer afford their homes. And if you think, well, they have reservations, I will remind you that almost half of Indigenous people in Canada live off reserve, and from those, more than 30 per cent of them live in crowded housing, or in unsafe housing in desperate need of repair.
Another group of people living in Squamish adversely affected by the high cost of housing is youth in government care, and youth aging out of care. I was on a Government Youth Agreement during high school and I struggled to find anywhere to live that met the allotted amount of money I was given by the government for my rent. I found no housing I could afford.
I was lucky to have a best friend whose family invited me to stay in their home. They understood my tight financial situation. If I had been unable to stay with them, I would have had to subsidize my rent with money from my part-time job salary.
For youth aging out, the problems are the same; housing is unattainable or unsustainable.
Recently, in Canada, increased media attention concerning the hundreds of youth in care becoming homeless, or living in unsafe conditions because of the price of housing and lack of government support, has become a focus. I feel this population of people in Squamish seem to be invisible or, minimally, overlooked. It is essential to include and consider the diverse living perspectives and experiences of all people when discussing economic growth.
Tying into the housing issue is the minimum-wage issue. Service workers, often single parents or people responsible for families, must work longer hours to support the high cost of rent.
Centrepoint Development, located on Victoria Street, is said to be completed by summer 2017. But with only 32 units of the building allotted to affordable housing, it seems unlikely it will be enough for the overwhelming need.
So what are the solutions? A local meeting with the municipality and long-time residents to hear their concerns and needs? What about the needs of students and youth? Many of these new home units don’t have backyards, and beg the question: should we be placing more importance on creating sustainable, community gardens? What fascinating research are the students of Quest University exploring regarding housing?
I propose we cannot present solutions without the inclusion of the diverse population of Squamish residents. Since the need for affordable housing seems to become more dire with each passing year, perhaps it is time for immediate attention, immediate discussion and immediate action.
- Ashleigh Giffen is a Squamish resident studying theatre and indigenous studies at the University of British Columbia in the Okanagan. She has heritage in several indigenous nations, but is mainly Oji-Cree and Anasazi.
