SARAH WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

A deputation from St. Gregory Catholic School came to the Committee of the Whole last week to offer solutions to the County’s poverty and housing crisis.

Grade 8 students Paulina Mayall, Violet Dickie, and Olivia Bolton said their goal was “to present our idea of a well-functioning, self-sustaining society.

Their solutions included community gardens, food banks, supporting local and locally targeted businesses, expanded transit options, allowing small home developments and affordable housing subdivisions.

“One of the main problems is food insecurity,” noted Ms. Mayall. “Many families struggle, which leads them to food banks.” But as Ms. Mayall explained, not only are local food banks only open Wednesdays, the people who need them are only allowed to go twice a  month.

“Our seven local food banks share the same issues — inaccessible locations, lack of storage, and lack of staff,” said Ms. Mayall.

Ms. Mayall noted the lack of public transit “would not be such an issue if we put more access to food in rural areas. We cannot be self-sustaining until we fix this,” she said.

Ms. Dickie addressed the County’s reliance on tourism.

“One of the key issues preventing the County from being self-sustaining is tourism. Businesses in the County have become too reliant on it. Because tourists are purchasing the most affordable properties as summer homes and cottages, real estate prices have gone up, which became an even bigger problem during the pandemic. Property taxes have also gone up substantially due to the increase in property values,” she explained. “The solution is not as simple as getting rid of tourism. We need to focus on businesses targeting their services toward residents, instead.”

Ms. Mayall said their solutions focus on services that benefit year-round residents.

“People are moving away because of lack of affordable housing. This is an urgent issue,” added Dickie.

Councillor Bill Roberts noted that crucial to addressing the local affordability crisis is lived experience, especially that of youth.

“I think this is a great presentation, perhaps the best we’ve had with regard to affordable housing. My hats off to St. Greg’s for bringing this to us,” he said. “This is so important I’d like to add one more thing, and that is what it means for you and your peer group.”

Councillor Sam Branderhorst asked for some examples of year-round businesses that would benefit the community.

Dickie replied they would like to see more agriculturally focused businesses.