Applauding affordable housing

There are key stages in a city's growth, milestones that it seems each growing urban entity must reach on its own.

Cities follow distinct patterns, almost like living creatures, an observation most city planners can attest to.

For example, rapid growth usually triggers sprawl development, with subdivisions and cookie-cutter housing projects pressing urban boundaries into suburban and agricultural terrain. It's happening in Saskatoon, Regina and - to a lesser extent - here in Prince Albert. Like living creatures, cities must also face key moments in self-awareness.

Prince Albert, perhaps, is at one of those points. Our growth has been noted, and our potential for future growth is obvious. Yet growth comes with a cost, for like every other city, we're experiencing an increase in housing costs. That has had a natural and predictable consequence of rising rental costs, which in turn increases the burden experienced by those who struggle to make ends meet.

Prince Albert is growing. Yet, like a teenager, even though we are experiencing growth pains, we are also learning valuable lessons in humanity.

The city and a number of other groups have recognized the impact of these social and demographic pressures. Considerable efforts to create and maintain affordable housing have materialized in the last few years, as those who make decisions grasp the gulf between those who can afford a $300,000 home in Crescent Acres and those who struggle to find $800, $600 or even $500 for monthly rent.

There has been considerable progress towards creating affordable housing spaces. New secondary suite plans would expand available housing space, and perhaps take the pressure off a market currently driven by excessive demand.

We commend all those pledged to improve the city by increasing the availability of affordable housing, which in turn, helps improve the lot of low-income people.