WORKING ON Affordability

The cost-of-living is increasing while many wages are stagnant. For some residents, this is having a huge impact on their quality of life. For too many, it goes beyond that, impacting their access to essentials such as housing, nutritious food, and heating. Council needs to be sensitive to and looking for ways to address affordability challenges.

 

If re-elected, I will push for us to advocate for:

  • The province to fix the disparity in electricity distribution and transmission costs which sees our residents paying far more than their fair share to support provincial infrastructure

  • Continuing to focus on spending efficiency and insuring that levels of service are properly set to manage public priorities so that we don’t take in more tax revenue than we need to

  • At the same time as we look for spending programs, many municipal programs become even more important as people struggle with affordability. Those without private transportation need to be able to walk, cycle, or take the bus. Parents are more in need of free or highly affordable opportunities for their children. Parks and community events become more critical to mental health as residents are unable to get away for vacation or afford entertainment. And increased struggles for residents mean there is a higher demand on programs that will help. We need to protect these vital services, even while working to contain City spending.

  • Continued work to see both market and affordable housing developed in our community

  • The expansion of Free Youth Transit to the age of 24 to help our young people get a strong start in their adult lives through reliable transportation

  • Working to increase the enrollment of seniors to the City’s Recreation Access Program so that seniors of all income levels have opportunity to be healthy and socially connected

  • Strong support of food security programs

 

During my time on Council, I am proud of:

  • Strong advocacy on the electricity costs file. While action still needs to be done, the Premier has said publicly that this disparity is now a priority of the province.

  • Keeping tax increases at about half the rate of inflation through finding operational efficiencies and decreasing low priority services

  • The development of affordable housing in Cedar Point and Fletcher House. Working with Grande Spirit Foundation, Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government to get them land for future afforable housing projects.

  • Successfully attracting four apartment builds which are underway right now. Introducing incentive programs and thoughtful Bylaw changes to increase residential units in the City.

  • Introducing free youth transit for kids under 18 and free community events such as Experience GP and Grande North Winterfest

  • Strongly supporting library and non-profit programs which provide free or low cost programs

Do you have questions, ideas, or feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Find me on social media (@DylanBresseyGP) or click here to contact me.