Skip to content

Editorial: Everyone needs to play a part

A rising tide lifts all boats
13500786_web1_pwn-T-editorial-660

When all is said and done, it doesn’t really matter that Penticton isn’t the only community dealing with a lack of affordable housing, homelessness, drug abuse, property crime and other social ills.

The concept that we are not alone is a good one when the city is approaching senior levels of government for aid, making it clear that this isn’t an isolated problem. It’s one that isn’t going to be solved without provincial and even federal help.

The issues Penticton is facing are separate problems, but they all remain interconnected. No one solution is going to solve all of them, but creating housing opportunities, helping people get off the street and get their life back on track is a big step.

And though provincial help is certainly needed, part of alleviating the housing problem, especially for those most in need, falls at the feet of the community. A provincial housing project has already been delayed, thanks to pressure from residents in the planned location (next to a similar facility).

Let’s hope the same doesn’t happen to the downtown location being discussed now, in the 600 block of Winnipeg street. With at least 100 people living homeless on Penticton streets, more housing is badly needed.

So Penticton has to work together to make room for this housing project, and start recognizing the benefits of supportive housing, rather than the negatives.

And the solution to those negatives is not to block the project, but to continue working to ensure it is being run within the promised guidelines.

The alternative is the situation on Penticton streets continues, with the RCMP and other agencies doing the best they can, and not getting closer to any solutions.

There is never going to be a perfect location — where no one will object — but by looking after these most vulnerable members of our community, we look after the whole community.