Strangers outside of Burkeville

Dear Editor,

farming land that is not being optimized if farmed at all This would be unimaginable in most other parts of the world

I’m all for local agriculture and preserving (and using) land for it, but treating ALR land as a “sacred cow, ” just because it falls within certain land parameters, isn’t necessary Mansions notwithstanding, as we enter a period of potentially severe food insecurity globally, the City of Richmond might focus more on fostering sustainable uses for agricultural and other lands in ways that optimize the genuinely good land that is just sitting fallow because the billionaire owner can afford not to farm it, or there are not enough farmers out there

These apparent gaps are opportunities in front of our eyes Serving existing farmers by providing discounts on irrigation water is just one other unrealized opportunity

Glen Andersen RICHMOND

We just recently moved from Burkeville into Richmond and it feels like we moved to a different country We moved from a community that took pride in its neighborhood to a community that cares little past their front door

When walking my dog I’m watched with suspicion as I pass, with some crossing the street.

We’ve lived in Richmond for 30+ yrs and we’ve never felt more like strangers in our home.

Murray Schultz RICHMOND

Walkways plagued by dog poop

Dear Editor,

Dog waste continues to be an ongoing concern in Steveston (I’m sure in other parts of Richmond also)

Dog waste has created many problems, including contaminating soil and recycling bins, having to wash shoes after every walk and increased cleanup costs Personally, I am sick of having to constantly look at the ground in front of me as I walk through Steveston on public walkways to avoid dog waste!

I walk every day along the river and through Steveston and every day I notice more and more dog poo left behind by irresponsible pet owners on the walkways

It does not get nicely washed away by the weather It stays there for days and weeks, spread by people stepping in it and bikes, etc

The only solution is for the city to go along these public sidewalks and power wash them

I’d like to walk and look at the sites along the river instead of my feet! Maybe the city would be better off ticketing these pet-owning offenders to teach proper etiquette and make the city additional income

I don’t like it when things have to constantly be monitored, but once again the problem is forced to be dealt with because of a few inconsiderate people.

Do something about this problem!

Linda McGuire RICHMOND

The City of Richmond is receiving $9 1 million in federal funding to build 18 “deeply affordable” homes for vulnerable people

The Minister of Housing

Ahmed Hussen was at Richmond City Hall on Monday morning to make the announcement, explaining the money is coming from the Rapid Housing Initiative, a $4 billion federal housing fund that began during the COVID-19 pandemic

To qualify for this funding, cities need to build the homes within 18 months

“Today is the beginning of hopefully more investments,” Hussen said at the announcement, adding that safe and affordable housing allows people, especially the most vulnerable, to “ pursue your dreams ”

“We understand housing is fundamental to making a difference in people’s lives it grounds people, it gives an opportunity for someone to have a sense of belonging and it creates better social and health outcomes, ” Hussen said Steveston-Richmond East MP Parm Bains said he was pleased to see this program benefiting Richmond.

“(MP Wilson Miao) and I have been pushing (for housing),” Bains said “I think this could be the start of many different projects that we can try to bring here ”

A recent housing study, based on statistics from 2016, noted 25 per cent of all households in Richmond were spending more than 30 per cent of their income on housing

The study also noted 6,140 households in Richmond were in “extreme core housing need,” meaning they were spending more than 50 per cent of their income on housing. And, furthermore, from 2006 to 2016, the cost to rent rose 4 5 times faster than household incomes

Where the 18 homes will be built and other details are still being worked out but should be announced within a month, Mayor Malcolm Brodie told the Richmond News

The money is meant for rapid construction of new housing, or for the acquisition of existing buildings for rehabilitation or conversion to permanent affordable housing

Another housing initiative, the Housing Accelerator Fund, coming online from the federal government, will earmark $4 billion to help cities expedite the permitting process to build new homes