Response from Brenda Mercer:

A lack of affordable and healthy housing is a major concern for many in Regina. We’ve all heard the stories of families struggling to keep up with rising rents or being unable to find suitable housing at all. I believe we need to increase not only the quantity of the housing stock in Regina, but the quality as well.

In terms of increasing the availability of affordable and social housing, as a councillor I would increase pressure on the provincial and federal governments to ensure they are living up to their obligations when it comes to housing. We need to educate them on the realities in our city, including inviting provincial MLAs and federal MPs to tour our communities so they can see the need for themselves first hand. I would also work with the members of City Council to develop a plan which will increase the availability of rental housing to accommodate our growing population. Whether it be through incentives for private industry to build or through social investment, we need more rental housing in Regina.

In terms of increasing the quality of the housing stock, I believe we need to ensure bylaws are being enforced. As well, I would ensure that existing resources like the Housing Standards Enforcement Team are better promoted so that more people can benefit. We need to promote these services and how people can access them through community associations, schools, and community-based organizations.

Housing is a passion of mine. My time as a founding member of the Housing Standards Enforcement Team and as president of the North Central Community Association has shown me that there is a lot of work to be done. As the representative for Ward 6 I look forward to getting that work done because families can’t wait any longer.