Editor’s note: The following is one of the letters from students in teacher Jennifer Mansour‘s class at Learning Expeditions. The students are in grades 7 to 12. The first of their letters were published in last week’s edition of The Chief. More letters will be published next week.
If you would like to get your class involved in writing letters — includes a visit from Chief editorial staff — email [email protected].
Due to growing population in Squamish there has been a significant increase of prices in the housing market, which has made it very difficult for lower-income families to live here. Every year, since I moved to Squamish in 2010, my family had to search for new accommodations. Often, the home we were renting was put on the market and was sold at above asking price.
As far as rentals go, the percentage of income going toward housing has increased far above family earnings each year. Having a pet or children makes it even harder to find affordable and healthy housing. People are leaving the community to find more affordable locations and businesses are suffering with staff shortages. It is critical the government of Canada ensures its citizens have affordable housing. I believe shelter is a basic human right in our country. I hope future plans include affordable homes for all.
Bronwyn Maloney-Turner
