“We don’t need any more strip malls. We need affordable housing.”

To the Editor, WHILE IN ELMIRA RECENTLY, I was very disappointed to see the sign saying “sold” on the piece of large land at the corner of Barnswallow Drive and Church Street across from Gale Presbyterian Church saying plaza coming soon. Seriously? We don’t need any more strip malls. We need affordable housing.

Recently, somebody that I know applied to rent a home in Elmira. When this person and I spoke after they went to view the home, it was mentioned that in the two days that showings took place, there were dozens and dozens of interested parties that had gone through the home. I only mention this because this reinforces the fact that Elmira’s in desperate need and when/if a building is built, it would, without a doubt in my mind, be filled up in no time. It would be even better if the building was accessible to all types of people.

It’s way overdue that council and all builders work together and stop putting blame on each other for the lack of affordable homes and/or apartment buildings being built. I feel so bad for the people in town who struggle to find affordable housing.

I hope somebody who’s involved in making these decisions will step up and take the reins required to make this happen sooner than later as our population ages and gets bigger.

Furthermore, it may be eye catching to somebody in the city looking to move to a smaller, quieter town and with the added bonus of multiple GRT stops in town, I truly feel it’s a winwin situation for everybody involved.

JOCELYN SCHAEFER | KITCHENER