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Abbeyfield disappointed council won’t contribute funding
Fort St. John’s Abbeyfield Houses spokesperson is disappointed with city council’s decision to decline their funding request to construct affordable seniors’ housing. “It sets us back,” said Ben Bergen after learning that council voted 4-1 Monday to decline the non-profit group’s request for $200,000 to construct a 12-person home for lonely seniors. “We live in one of the richest areas in B.C. as far as jobs and money are going and we can’t get a house like this here, it’s pretty sick.” Bergen understood the City’s point that giving the money would set a precedent as affordable housing is under provincial jurisdiction, but he was hopeful that some financial support would be available. “I thought they would come through with it, I really did,” Bergen added. “If we borrow the money to build this thing, once it’s built, (the home would be financially self-sufficient) but we won’t be able to pay the debt.” Bergen had some discussions with the District of Taylor, which were willing to commit more than Fort St. John for such a project. However, Bergen said the need in Fort St. John is much greater and that the group would look at building in Taylor later on. Bergen said he held no animosity toward the City and will hold them to their promise of offering
services in lieu, such as property tax exemptions and waiver of permit fees. “We’ll have to work harder at promoting this and perhaps go after the business community,” Bergen said. “And lobby the provincial government harder.” A past president of the B.C. chapter of Abbeyfield Houses was critical toward city and district councils unwilling to financially contribute to such a cause. “It takes a lot of money to put this in operation and a lot of people work hard on it,” said Charles Cooper. “These city councils can’t see where the greater good is.” Cooper didn’t find the excuse that it would set a precedent valid as he felt addressing the need was more important than arguing about whose problem it is.
Alaska Highway News
- Christopher Sun
