Everyone who has been searching for a place to live in Alberta, let alone rural areas like Athabasca, knows there is a shortage of rental accommodations.
Even worse is the amount of really affordable places to rent for people that need room for more than just a family of three.
That’s why the latest subdivision development proposed for the property just south of Hees Estates makes a lot of sense.
While the plan does include a number of single family dwellings — with and without garages — it also includes a number of duplexes, townhouses and apartment-style complexes. All of which would dramatically increase the number available units for people that simply can’t afford to buy their own home or are only interested in renting.
It’s something that Athabasca truly needs and should be embraced as a welcome sign of growth and the chance to keep people in the community instead of seeing them commute, taking their money with them.
Granted, there are a number of credible, serious issues that do need to be addressed before this project should be breaking ground.
Drainage, both surface and underground, are already problems in the area and will need to be looked into – along with increasing the present capacity of the sewer system – by the developers before the proposal moves forward.
Issues surrounding more available park space and an increase in traffic must also be addressed, but could easily fixed with some minor tinkering.
What boggles the mind though are some of the reasons behind those that are opposed to the project.
One is not wanting to live next to rental housing units. Another is the fact people from those homes may want to come and use ‘their’ park, while – strange as it may seem – some only want to see homes like those in Hees Estates because that’s what’s already in the area.
NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) seems to have taken hold with no never mind about fixing the actual problems that need to be solved.
Everyone is entitled to have an opinion, but when does common sense and rational thought take over?
Yes, ensure the concerns are addressed regarding the water and unstable soil and potential safety issues.
But don’t close off a proposal because it has housing options that are desperately needed just because you don’t like the options.
