R. Joey Koopmans, B. Admin., Ward XII YEG City Councilor Byelection Candidate, Edmonton, Alberta
February IXth, MMXVI
Hon. Dave Eggen, B. Ed., MLA, Minister of Education, New Democratic, Edmonton-Calder
Dear Dave:
Mayor Don Iveson is talking about the need for more affordable housing. Here at this Muslim Friendship Centre in Ward XII, there seems to be a consensus building not just among Muslim members, by people of Jewish, Christian (such as myself), Sikh, & Hindi that are here visiting that a great temporary solution would be to house the refugees inside of abandoned Edmonton Public & Edmonton Catholic Schools. As the very proud son of an immigrant myself from The Netherlands, I feel that I would be an especially good fit for Ward XII as I am very interested in multicultural issues & immigration patterns/trends!
1. I think its a great idea as it would generate rent revenue for the schools, which would help offset utility costs of the buildings greatly & for which Edmontonian taxpayers are paying for anyway.
2. There are kitchen facilities for cooking, as well as a gymnasium for families & their children to exercise in. Not to mention the huge grass fields surrounding each school that mostly sit empty due to aging seniors that don't use them. Wouldn't it e nice to have refugee children & neighborhood kids playing together & becoming friends in those fields?
3. Sure, its a short term solution but each family could have their own classroom for a living area. Plus, there are usually washroom & shower facilities already built into the schools to cover bathing needs.
The Mayor talks about revitalizing neighborhoods & maybe this will do it? Living in a group & family setting certainly has to be more comfortable than being stuck in a hotel.
An Editor's Note: This would also work for relieving stress over the homeless & ballooning city First Nations residents growth spurt problems.
Gotta Have Faith,
R. Joey
Source: "The Campaign II Elect R. Joey Koopmans Ward XII YEG City Councilor."
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