I like what David has said here and would like to hear back from you about what you think.

Rent controls good first step

DAVID WILSON FOR THE CALGARY HERALD

Little light is shining through the democratic darkness in this province. Alberta is experiencing an affordable housing crisis, yet no substantive measures are being implemented.

The Affordable Housing Task Force recommendations were just that. Like most task forces, they were just a waste of time and money.

The provincial government still did not have a change of heart despite hearing heartwrenching stories of unscrupulous rent increases imposed on vulnerable Albertans. It is time renters get more respect and protection, because contrary to popular opinion, they pay their fair share of property taxes indirectly through rent.

Rent control will preserve the affordable housing that is still in existence rather than building it expensively from scratch. In addition, preventing landlords from unnecessarily increasing the rent when they get wind of rent subsidies will save taxpayers more money.

It was disappointing not to see temporary rent controls and a moratorium on condo conversions when the vacancy rate dips below three per cent. Increasing the notice for condo conversions to 12 months will mean little unless the affordable rental units lost are replaced.

The province needs annually to allocate one per cent of its budget towards affordable housing for real change to occur. Even though there is an affordable housing crisis, the government is only putting $220 million of the $330 million needed toward the problem.

Most importantly, what was missing from the recommendations was the need to build diverse housing options in neighbourhoods. To fix this, the province needs to amend the Municipal Government Act. This will allow cities to mandate developers to build housing for all income levels in each new development or redevelopment.

For example, in a condo or rental development, all income brackets should be adequately represented. In such an inclusionary zoning scenario, affordable housing would be built on a continuous basis.

Additionally, investments need to be rewarded. People who fix up old houses are providing a much needed service. They should be compensated adequately for their labour and small amount of risk.

The problem is that too many are looking for a quick and largely unearned buck. Speculators are artificially driving up home prices.

For many, owning their own home is but a dream. Therefore, speculation needs to be curtailed with heavy taxes. Isolated and transient communities tolerate the loss of affordable housing. When people establish roots, strong neighbourly relationships and a healthy sense of community are built. Tax credits would encourage people to settle down.

Creating community takes courage and vision, something our provincial government has not had since the Peter Lougheed years. Everyone in Calgary should have safe, stable, accessible, and affordable housing.

It is time for the citizens of Calgary to take a leap forward and build communities that are friendly, lively, fair, accountable and great for everyone.