Langley City has a high proportion of seniors so it’s apropos for its MP, John Aldag, to host a meeting on seniors housing.
Aldag, MP for Cloverdale-Langley City, will host a town hall on seniors housing in the contest of the National Housing Strategy.
“Join me for a discussion on Canada’s first ever national housing strategy, and how it supports safe, affordable housing for seniors,” he said.
Last November, the federal government announced the strategy after Canada-wide consultations with citizens.
• Learn more about the National Housing Strategy
The town hall is 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at the Hope Community Church, 18625 Fraser Hwy. The doors open at 12:30 p.m.
Invitations are extended to seniors and all other concerned members of the community including community based senior service providers, and the real estate, financial and development sectors.
Organizers would also like to hear representatives of from the community housing sector which includes non-profit, co-ops and other housing providers such as charities and faith-based groups.
A panel will help explain the strategy and the need for affordable seniors housing.
Time for questions and answers will be scheduled. Speakers include the Seniors Advocate of B.C., Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation Affordable Housing Centre, BC Housing director of Regional Development, and Metro Vancouver Regional District Housing Committee chair.
Aldag will moderate the town hall which is open to anyone with an interest in the topic, not just those who reside in the MP’s riding.
People interested in attending are asked to RSVP at at Facebook event page on the town hall.
The event will be live streamed on Aldag’s Facebook page. Those unable to attend can submit questions via the Facebook page during the live stream.
A 2014 report by the Fraser Health Authority showed that affordable housing is a significant issue and this community is expected to see a 57 per cent increase in the number of seniors by 2024.
“In the Greater Vancouver area (including White Rock, Surrey, Langley, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, New Westminster and the Tri-cities) 26 per cent of seniors spend 30 per cent or more of their income on housing. Senior renters generally have lower incomes than owners. In B.C., over half of senior renters had incomes of $30,000 or less. Also, in FH the prevalence of low income seniors is 14 per cent.”