Dear Editor
Thank you for the housing related stories in recent issues of The Undercurrent. I believe we need more projects like Wolfgang’s and Rondy’s and we need to support these projects, ensuring they benefit both the proponent and the community. It is vitally important that as neighbours and joint stewards of this beautiful island, we keep the conversation going about how we want housing to develop. I love having community conversations that are positive, thoughtfully critical, and solution focused - and we’ve had some great conversations through events I’ve hosted over the last year with the Bowen Housing Network and the Vancouver Design Nerds.
If we want a diverse community on Bowen, we need diverse housing. Period.
At present, the “market” is easily taking care of those who are fortunate enough to be able to afford single family houses. Those who are not being served need more options - we need permanently “affordable” (this is a loaded word, I know, but prices respectful of actual incomes people on Bowen make) homes for the people that make Bowen Island the wonderful, diverse place that it is. The effects (mental, emotional and physical) of a lack of secure housing cannot be underestimated. The strain of worrying about getting notice, the time and energy hunting for the next rental, and the fear of having to leave the island if new housing can’t be secured, is a huge weight to carry. I believe it is limiting many of our neighbours from living full, enriching and rewarding lives.
Through my work as an architect and (dare I say) housing advocate, I am working towards creating solutions for our current housing challenges. I believe we are reaching one of those times, when “the stars will align” and we will get that right mix of people with the skills and resources to make this happen, and the community and political will to support it. I am grateful to be part of a team actively working on such a proposal, including a non-profit organization formed specifically to serve our community housing needs.
Our proposal will require input and support from you, my neighbours, if we are going to succeed in seeing anything built. I look forward to sharing it with you all and getting your input as the project takes shape in the coming months.
Best regards, your neighbour,
Robyn Fenton
Architect AIBC
ReForma Architecture
Bowen Housing Network
