Clearview Ridge should not feel more privileged than downtown or any other neighbourhood in Red Deer.
I find it hypocritical for any Clearview Ridge resident to oppose the inclusion of an affordable housing and Native Friendship Centre in Clearview Ridge, whilst downtown Red Deer has been home to the Native Friendship Society for years, safe houses, women’s outreach, mental health, John Howard Society, Potter’s Hand etc., as well as numerous affordable housing projects within the same block and neighbouring blocks.
In many countries, you will find at least one affordable housing complex in each major neighbourhood/suburb. It is the norm and has been in practice for decades, but has just been slow coming to Red Deer. It appears it is just too close for comfort for Clearview Ridge residents, when it is coming into their neighbourhood.
It appears that Clearview residents have accepted these facilities in the downtown, but do not want to accept these facilities in their own neighbourhood. Do Clearview Ridge residents think it is fine for these exact same facilities in downtown? If so, why is that?
I am sure the Clearview Ridge residents realize these facilities have to exist somewhere — don’t they? If they do not want this project to go ahead in Clearview Ridge, then where should it go? Perhaps they would prefer that this project occur in downtown Red Deer and feel it is more fitting there?
There can be no guarantee that any type of organization or facilities will or will not be placed in any neighbourhood in Red Deer, so what Clearview Ridge residents are seeking is unrealistic, wanting a privileged position in Red Deer over other neighbourhoods.
I would like to propose all neighbourhoods in Red Deer have similar facilities as being proposed in Clearview Ridge and then we can all be even.
F.J. Guedoud
Red Deer