Saanich Coun. Fred Haynes is calling all housing co-ops members and those with an interest in the issue to attend a special meeting in Saanich council chambers Thursday night.
The goal is to bring co-op housing, an element of the overall housing affordability issue, to light with local federal candidates in attendance.
“Housing is not being given the attention it deserves in this federal election,” Haynes sad. “All Island co-ops are welcome to attend this event to talk about the future of co-op housing and meet local federal candidates.”
Saanich-Gulf Islands candidates Tim Kane (Liberal), Alicia Cormier (NDP) and Robert Boyd (Conservative) are expected, as is a neighbouring Green Party candidate due to Elizabeth May’s unavailability.
However, council chambers are not a permitted venue for an election debate.
“This gives everyone, candidates included, a chance to be part of the discussion,” Haynes said. “We have 1,200 co-op housing homes in this municipality. This is an important voter block so I imagine they’ll pay attention.”
All attendees, candidates included, may speak for two minutes.
Patty Shaw, president of the Co-op Housing Federation of B.C., will introduce the session with a 10-minute presentation. Haynes will also speak.
Earlier this year the Capital Regional District passed five resolutions to make housing more affordable, including co-ops. Similar resolutions were supported at the recent Union of B.C. Municipalities annual conference.
Thursday’s meeting (Oct. 8) begins at 7:30 p.m. in Saanich council chambers, 770 Vernon Ave.
Visit chf.bc.ca/island for more information.
reporter@saanichnews.com