Honourable Rich Coleman
Minister of Housing and Social Development
Room 128 Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Dear Minister Coleman,
I am writing you concerning the future of the Little Mountain Housing Project.
I understand that BC Housing is holding an information meeting for the demolition contract bidders at the Relocation Office at Little Mountain on Main Street on June 30, 2009. I assume BC Housing is looking to expedite the demolition process at your direction.
It is my view that there are a number of key criteria that should be firmly in place prior to any construction occurring. First and foremost a buyer who is committed to the purchase, has the resources to undertake a purchase and development on an acceptable timeline.
While there have been discussions concerning the purchase I understand it is not finalized and there is a growing sense that there will be no meaningful development on this site for 3 to 5 years. If this is the case it is an unacceptable situation when social housing is involved.
Can you tell me whether a buyer is in place and what the timeline for the sale and development is? Can you also inform me as to when you anticipate the replacement social housing units at Little Mountain being ready for occupancy? Removal of even a small number of units of affordable rental housing at this time makes no sense unless there are firm and timely commitments in place. Certainly proceeding with demolition without a firm plan is not in the public interest.
I look forward to hearing from you soon on this matter.
Sincerely,
Shane Simpson, MLA
(Vancouver-Hastings)
PC: Shayne Ramsay, CEO BC Housing
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