LETTER: Let's get behind mayor and solve critical housing shortage

GuelphToday received this letter to the editor regarding the housing shortage.

I am writing to express my support for Mayor Cam Guthrie's recent plea to the community and developers to act on the critical shortage of housing in Guelph. It is time for everyone to come together and work towards a solution.

It is clear that NIMBY objections and council's role as “gatekeeper” are major obstacles to development. If council delegated more authority to city staff to approve housing-related matters, and developers were required to submit complete project applications for consideration, residential dwellings could be constructed at a much faster rate.

As the Mayor pointed out, Guelph also needs provincial assistance to clean up contaminated sites, and to address issues of homelessness relating to addiction and mental health. It is obvious that provincial funding is the key to creating a safe and livable environment for all residents.

I would like to commend Mayor Guthrie for his leadership on this issue. His commitment to finding solutions to the housing crisis and holding the province accountable is valued. Let us work together to create a better future for our city.

Victoria Recagno