Did you know that an inmate released from the Federal Bowden Institution would be resettled 184 km away in Edmonton, not much closer in Calgary, or Red Deer?
Maclean's Magazine reports that as a group, the ten richest Canadians combined net worth has ballooned over the last two decades to $261 Billion compared to a paltry $60 billion in 2004. Collectively enabling this opulence and stark inequality for the top ten while thousands die is one hell of a policy choice, Canada. According to the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, we could end homelessnes across canada for $4.4 billion a year for the next decade-- a bargain when we consider homelessness costs the Canadian economy $7 billion each year. Ending homelessness would yield a 2;1 return on investment, let alone the moral imperative.
"Your roads are in much better shape!" are words I didn't expect to hear from a Calgary friend, but I did. This week, Michael, I wanted to share some of the "Bread and Butter updates: Snow Removal, Potholes, Landscaping and of course, the housing crisis.
Not sure if you saw this in the Edmonton Journal, but Mayor Sohi put out an oped two weeks ago that I wanted to share: "Edmonton can close fiscal gap without sacrificing services.
I also included another important oped about what creates homelessness below and an invitation to learn more about climate action in your local community.
I was pleased to see the Globe and Mail Editorial Board as well as the CMHC put out favorable reports this week that Edmonton is a leader in building a home for everyone. This isn't just new market housing, but also non-market and affordable housing too. You or someone you love may need a new home soon, and a supply shortage helps landlords not renters, especially in a time of rapid population growth (Edmonton is growing 5% per year and we're at 1.15 million people).
“To me, it’s very simple. Number one, we have to curb urban sprawl. Number two, we need the province to pay their bills and pay their taxes. And number three, we need to focus on renewal, not building new. It’s really that simple.”
FireSmart Canada Community Preparedness Meeting:
Wednesday August 28th, 7:00pm
Strathcona Community League Hall
10139 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2P3
Earlier this summer, Leduc Mayor Bob Young took a page out of the same, shameful, inhumane playbook and pushed forward a policy that Leduc would close the winter shelter in their community with the express intention of shipping the needy into Edmonton.
“The premier did not take questions from journalists Thursday, but a spokesperson confirmed the province is still hammering out a deal with the city and the Oilers Entertainment Group to “explore” which downtown projects will be funded.
I would love to take that $330 million and use it as seed funding to ignite housing growth downtown. To see it going into new housing, new parks, new transit, new infrastructure,” said Michael Janz, an Edmonton city councillor.”
What you may not know, is that Edmonton City Council has also provided record investment into 24/7 crisis diversion through REACH, bringing their funding up to $5.3 Million in 2024. The stats are impressive.
