It is interesting why BC Housing still exists in British Columbia. It portrays being community-minded, but acts like the big business leader in housing. All the while they disregard those who live in communities where they want to do business. They ignore those individuals, families, businesses and organizations who know their communities very well – including age demographics, the surroundings of schools, senior housing, parks, businesses, other developments going on and more.
Most importantly those who have lived in these communities for many years are for the most part being bypassed in timely community consultation. Why is BC Housing so vague when it comes to communications with communities or general inquiries – until they are at almost a final approval stage to do whatever they want, wherever they want?
It is not fair that communities are most of the time the last to find out any specific details of what BC Housing is doing in their neighbourhood. The continued lack of consultation at any stage is a poor business judgment. The biggest question is why are they not looking at locations where it would be more financially responsible to build housing and social services for those in need.
For example, the old Canadian Tire site on Douglas Street is a perfect location for a 4 to 6-storey building, with temporary housing, social services, food, employment training and more. A similar site is available at the old Bath & Beyond (Blanshard and Finlayson). My wish is that BC Housing would be more respectful and transparent to any community that they wish to do business in.
Marlene Davie
Saanich
