Speakers Corner catch up

SPEAKERS CORNER


Sept 4, 2013

Sandy Burpee  TRICities Homelessness and Housing Task Group

Sandy Burpee was the founding chair of the Fraser Burrard Community Justice Society and also the TriCities Housing Coalition. He currently coordinates the SHARE food bank depot at Como Lake United Church and he has chaired the Homelessness and Housing Task Group since 2007.

 Sandy began his presentation by asking us to think about what our homes mean to us..to reflect on the way they offer shelter, comfort, control and are linked to our sense of family and personal history. Imagine not having that as the foundation of our lives.

 He further spoke of who is most vulnerable to insecurity of housing ... younger adults, seniors or others on fixed incomes, new Canadians, and single parents. These are the people the Task Force tries to advocate for.  They work closely with the City of Coquitlam which is currently attempting to review its Affordable Housing Strategy.  The City will be seeking public input and there is more info available at tricitieshomelessness.ca.

 Sandy was able to present detailed information about average incomes in our local area versus costs of housing (rental and owned) and what percentage of  family incomes are needed to cover the average cost of housing. He also provide information on the two existing government programmes that offer direct subsidy to low income renters .. SAFER grants (for Seniors) and RAP (for families with children under 19). 

 The startling fact remained that it is estimated that 30% of working single adults renters are at risk for homelessness..based on incomes and average rents.  Of additional concern are the mounting pressures on available rental stocks.  We are seeing many changes in our community
with redevelopment ...especially along the new Evergreen route and many existing older and more affordable buildings are being redeveloped in to newer and more expensive units for sale..pushing out the current renters.  Rising costs, aging stocks and decreased supply of affordable housing are an increasing and worrying realty in the TriCities area.  

As a community problem, the Task Force is hoping to bring community awareness to the issue and to building partnerships of all levels of governments, developers, community agencies and individuals together to look for solutions and to bring hope that everyone will have access to safe and secure housing.


Sept 11,2013

Diana Dilworth   An Update from Pacific Coast Terminals

 Diana is  well know to most of us and had visited us about 1 year ago to inform us about the history, function and hopes for future expansions at PCT.  She was back today to update us on recent developments.  PCT was originally established  to service the export of Sulphur (then expanded to add Gylcol) and while that continues to be a mainstay of their operations..they are preparing for  future shipments of Canola oil and Potash.  Diana explained, in much detail, the economic, regulatory and community impact of the proposed expansion of operations at the site.

 As the 3rd largest taxpayer in Port Moody..PCT contributes much through both their tax payments and also as an employer, to the financial health of our City. They are now working with their own landlord, Port Metro, to secure the necessary permits to allow for the required new infrastructure to begin shipping Canola Oil.  This will involve construction that would start in October to increase the number of holding tanks on site. It will also require dredging in the Inlet.  When everything is done..PCT will export raw canola oil to Asia.  Did you know that Canola stands for:

 C
 A
 N adian
 O il
 L ow
 A cid??


Work continues with a Potash supplier as well and they soon hope to complete an agreement that will secure Potash as well.

 Diana invited everyone to an upcoming Open House at the Old Mill Boathouse on Sept 19th and also offered to host us on site for an upcoming breakfast meeting.