Having listened to all the political rhetoric and promises on affordable housing during the municipal elections, I was amazed to see the new mayors of Sidney and North Saanich celebrating the construction of the new single storey Canadian Tire store on what was formerly agricultural land.
Given that Sidney and North Saanich share various services, retail, recreational and presumably our new day care centre, isn’t it about time we shared responsibility for housing the people who come into the area every day to work and support our privileged lifestyle.
Before we allow any more similar single storey buildings we should plan on housing units above them and above the parking lots. Repurposing malls to incorporate economical dwelling units is underway elsewhere in the country.
Hopefully our new councils can make a combined effort on this problem.
C. Atkinson
Sidney
