The Executive Director of the Community Development Council of Quinte (CDC) agrees with the federal government’s spending to create more and affordable housing but worries the planning is for the long term.
Ruth Ingersoll says a growing number of people are struggling right now to pay for housing.
“The 500 dollar one-time payment for families struggling with housing affordability I mean that will help them for a month and the tax free savings account to help them purchase a home, I’m just not sure how many families are going to have that extra money to put into the account”.
Meanwhile Ingersoll believes granting municipalities money for affordable housing is an excellent idea.
“I mean each community is different and the money going to municipalities is a good sign so they can decide how the money’s spent
according to what their community needs so that’s a positive for sure.”
Ingersoll says the Community Development Council is thrilled with the government’s plan to provide dental care for children in low-income families saying poor oral hygiene in children can cause lifelong health problems.
“The only concern might be is if it’s provided the same as it’s been provided to optometrists which we know they had a petition out last year because the money they got from the government for children and seniors just wasn’t enough, not what they need to cover their costs so we’ll see what that looks like and what it does, if it’s enough for dental coverage for people.”
The Community Development Council provides, food, personal items, and programming for individuals and families in Hastings and Prince Edward counties and the demand for its Good Food Box program has tripled in the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
