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I’ve seen how the housing crisis has deeply affected our community. More and more people are being pushed into homelessness, and it feels like everyone is falling behind. We have to turn things around, and we have an opportunity in front of us with the upcoming federal budget on November 4th.
The only way to unlock Canada’s full economic potential is if our governments take leadership to end homelessness and solve the housing crisis once and for all.
Recently the federal government announced Build Canada Homes, including a $1 billion investment in supportive and transitional housing. This is an important first step, but the scale of our housing and homelessness crisis demands a more robust response. We need a system that works for everyone, especially in the wake of Trump’s trade war and the uncertainty that so many are facing.
Bold action and even bolder commitments and investments can shape a future where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home. I know that’s possible, but people in our community have to come together and show our federal representatives that this Budget is our chance to create lasting change and put an end to the housing and homelessness crisis.
I’m encouraging readers to join me. Raise your voice for a bold 2025 Federal Budget that prioritizes action on homelessness and housing. We can’t wait any longer. You can go to https://action.caeh.ca/budget_25 to learn more & take action.
Roderick Holloway, Prince Edward County
The Vital Signs Report for 2025 focuses on the systems and spaces that connect us and identifies the library as playing a key role in strengthening the social and educational infrastructure of the County.
Stronger libraries mean stronger communities and the County is blessed with six libraries under the umbrella of the PEC Library.
With the aim of contributing to the spaces that connect us, a group of like-minded community members gathered in spring 2024 to discuss how they might support the Bloomfield Library. Housed in a compact building on Main Street, it has been in operation for more than a century.
The facility, however, needed revitalization and the Friends dedicated themselves to doing so. With the generous support of the community, provincial and local funding organizations, the Friends assisted the Library in what we would now call a ‘glow up.’
New carpeting, shelving, furniture, painting, lighting and windows have resulted in a transformed space. And programming is revitalized as well with special emphasis on seniors and children in the community.
This is Ontario Public Library Week and the theme is Libraries for Life. The PEC Library is proud to offer a friendly, safe, accessible and inclusive space that fosters lifelong learning and builds community.
And the Friends of the Bloomfield Library are here to help because, after all, that’s what Friends do. On behalf of the Friends, I invite you to visit the Bloomfield Library.
Denise Boos, Chair, Friends of the Bloomfield Library
Have you recently noticed a brighter light in No Frills? I have. It is not a higher voltage but a brighter energy being emitted.
I am used to being told “No, sorry, we can’t do that” if I make a request for something in a grocery store. I had almost given up asking. But then I tried with a staff member at the Picton No Frills. He kindly suggested I come back the following morning and ask the owner about my request. The next day I asked the checkout cashier to telephone the new owner to come to the front of the store.
Within a minute Brandon Cooke arrived, asking, “How can I help?” I explained my situation while he listened closely. His manner and response were openly positive. He would find a way to accommodate my ask.
I was impressed with his “above and beyond” action. Throughout the store I sense a higher level of engagement. I have now graduated to the status of life long shopper at No Frills. Thank you Brandon for the meaningful changes you are bringing.
Carole Falkner, Bloomfield
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