The transition from heavy industry to tourism-based economy has left 樱桃视频with the worst housing problem in the corridor, according to local MLA Joan McIntyre.
"I suggest that 樱桃视频may be having the most difficulty, being a town in transition," said McIntyre. "My understanding about part of the homeless in 樱桃视频- and it's a sad story - is that some of it may be older men who've had injuries on those lost [mill] jobs and may ultimately have ended up in dire straights and some even ended up with addictions."
But help may be on the way following provincial Finance Minister Carole Taylor's budget speech on Tuesday (Feb. 20). Taylor said the province will commit $375 million of its $2.2 billion surplus to improve housing options for first-time homeowners and pensioners, for the low-income population through expanded social housing and rental assistance, and for more emergency shelter beds.
"What we've been hearing, exactly what's being said in your community is we're in an affluent time, the province is doing well, we need to be helping people who are vulnerable and at risk," said McIntyre.
McIntyre said she has to do some research to find funding for Squamish, but acknowledged that the town needs help.
"We need to be able to have opportunities to build smaller units or more innovative, and renovate and/or find some of these funds to help shelter," she said. "It's definitely huge on my radar screen. I have to do a little more homework and see how and if we'll qualify, but certainly I'll push for it."
The province's announced also cutting of 10 per cent of personal taxes over the next three years for individuals earning under $100,000, and expansion of the rental assistance income threshold to $28,000 may also help, said McIntyre.
"Putting a little more money into everybody's pocket will now allow those individuals to spend the money the way they're personal family situation dictates," she said.
In the first year of tax cuts, an individual earning $40,000 a year will see a return of $216.
