Interview with Lisa Lachance
By Kendall Worth!
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| Lisa Lachance and Kendell Worth - July 2022 |
I took some personal interest in an interview with Lisa Lachance, since we have some things in common – like being members of the NDP. She represents a constituency in Halifax that includes Spring Garden Road. Her constituency also includes residential areas within the South End of Halifax where rents have always been sky high, long before we got into the current housing crises. My personal experience, selling the old Street Feat Newspaper on Spring Garden Road from 2004 – 2013, when it went out of business, plus doing apartment hunting in the South End on streets between Spring Garden and Point Pleasant Park ( between 2008 – 2013) I discovered:
Before the Current housing Crises even came to light, Bachelor apartments in other parts of HRM ranged from $400.00 a month to $550.00 a month plus power. In South End Halifax, the cheapest rent I could find for a Bachelor was starting at $750.00 plus all utilities extra.
Before the Current housing Crises even came to light, I was paying $535.00 a month (hot water included) for my one Bedroom apartment in North End Dartmouth. However, I was trying to move out of North end Dartmouth. Everywhere-else (Expect in the Citadel Sable Island Constituency) in Halifax/Dartmouth, one bedrooms ranged from $500 a month to $650.00 a month, most with Hot water included in rent, but very few with power included. In the Citadel Sable Island Constituency the cheapest one Bedroom apartment I looked at was $910.00 a month with nothing included.
For two or more Bedrooms (from my personal apartment hunting experience) in Citadel Sable Island Consituency, nothing cheaper then $1500 a month.
Because I once worked on Spring Garden Road myself, and with my experience apartment hunting in that area of Halifax, I was interested in hearing what the MLA had to say about -- what sets the South End of Halifax apart from other parts of HRM?.
Here is the gist of the interview with Lisa Lachance, MLA for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island:
Q#1 - In the Citadel Sable Island Constituency,, rents have been known to be expensive for a very long time. My personal experience apt. hunting, indicates that the feeling in the air is "you always had to be a millionaire to live in the south end" What sets the South End apart from other areas of HRM?
A – The South End of Halifax which is the Citadel Sable Island Constituency has always had a reputation for high rents. The overall housing crisis is an ongoing issue. Students moving into the area has always had an impact. Affordable housing in this area has always been an issue. Lots of diversity, and lots of retried people, has also always impacted the situation of Citadel Sable Island Constituency as well. The retried People who have moved into the area want to stay here.
#2 - As I believe you already know, the current standard household rate for income assistance in Nova Scotia is $950.00 a month. Do you feel that is enough for people to live on? If not, what amount do people need as a living allowance? Do you support basic Guaranteed Income As a solution?
A – I agree that income support levels are not adequate at all. Agree that everyone should be able to live with dignity. I agree with Basic Guaranteed Income.
#3 - You are a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and the only sitting member of the LGBTQ+ Community at the house at this time. Is there anything you want to say about your experiences or important issues, as a member of that community?
A – Gender Affirming Care is an issue. Not enough access to what MSI will cover. Not enough service providers in the province know and understand the needs of the LGBTQ+ community members. Current Government has not got a minster in charge of LGBTQ+ issues. Nova Scotia Action is needed.
#4 - I understand that Citadel Sable Island has a large population of University Students. Would you say that has any impact on the life within your constituency and, if yes, how?
A – There are a total of 5 post secondary education institutions in the riding. Business benefits as the students helps the economy in the riding. Students, staff and faculty are an important part of this riding.
#5 – Anything-Else?
A – A lot of demolition, without approval for development, has been a big issue this year. This is a concern especially in the middle of a housing crises. This riding includes Spring Garden Road and the waterfront. Businesses in this riding are recovering well from COVID, possibly even faster than other ridings in Nova Scotia.
As you can from some of Lisa’s answers, their are major factors that set Citadel Sable Island apart from other Constituencies in Nova Scotia, and even from other parts of HRM. Lisa and both hope that the housing Crises Will someday get better and resolve itself.
Wait and See!
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