Letters to the editor
Dear Editor,
I have lived in and out of Jasper over the last 40-plus years and affordable housing has always been an issue. It seems to me, as time progresses, the issue is getting pushed from one generation to the next to deal with. However, the reality is that the issue isn’t being dealt with seriously enough. Stop for a moment and think about this...over 40 years and we’re still dealing with this? Why doesn’t there seem to be a STRONG will to address this at some level of government?
Sadly, until there is a will, I don’t see this issue going away anytime soon. It is really simple economics; until housing outstrips demand costs are going to be high and will continue to increase into the future. To me, this foreshadows an oncoming disaster for the middle class who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. Landlords will continue to increase rents to both improve their bottom line and also to cover forever increasing property taxes.
To purchase a home in Jasper is just out of reach for many families. With the average home selling for almost a million dollars; not many can afford the cost.
What can be done about this serious issue? Perhaps a rental cap imposed by the municipality? Perhaps employers increase wages? Perhaps Jasper should have a minimum wage in place outside of provincial laws to force employers to pay a liveable wage? There needs to be political will to do this. Some may find these ideas offensive and not politically popular, however, they are ideas to face a stark reality.
In the end, I’m not sure how the powers that be will address our housing problem. I do know that if little is done we are in trouble and our problem is only going to get worse. Let’s attempt to solve the problem so our children don’t have to stress about their future in our great mountain town.
James Beckmann
Jasper, Alta.
