MY TOWN

Our community has experienced significant growth in both population and development over the last decade and this growth has been very beneficial for the majority of the members of our community. Costs of housing and property have increased dramatically which has benefited many who are in a position to sell homes or property but has had a negative impact on those that are trying to secure adequate housing which matches their income. This has resulted in a lack of affordable housing which has now become a critical social issue. Information gathered from the 2001 census indicates that 40% of our population spend in excess of 30% of their income on rental housing costs and that there is presently a 1% rental vacancy rate. This translates into individuals having difficulty to not only obtain housing but more difficulty affording the associated costs.This lack of affordable housing or the inability to meet the financial demands attached to an increasing housing market has resulted in us seeing an increase in other social issues surface including poverty and homelessness. Unfortunately these types of problems often impact the most vulnerable in our community including seniors. There is another generation of the working poor whose income is being used to meet basic housing needs leaving very little at the end of the month for healthy food, clothing, and child care.We are also seeing a large number of our youth leaving this community for higher paying jobs and more affordable housing. The City of Vernon has recognized the critical situation this community faces and has resulted in an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee being created by Mayor Lippert and Council. Other organizations such as the Social Planning Council and the Partners for a Safe and Healthy Community also have recognized the need to develop an Affordable Housing strategy which will give us all a better understanding of this community problem and develop initiatives designed to offset the impact. Possible partnerships and funding source are being explored at this time. As time goes on I am hopeful you will hear more about the issues surrounding affordable housing and strategies that are being developed. If you have any particular concerns or questions you feel would make an interesting article please make contact with me, Terry Pakenham, at my fax line 260-5866, or my direct office line at 260-5276