City council votes in favour of anti-poverty motion

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Applause rang through City Hall as councillors voted 11-2 in favour of Mayor Fred Eisenberger’s anti-poverty motion, which will see $50 million spent towards homelessness and a lack of proper social housing over the next decade.

“One in five kids living in poverty at or below the poverty line is unacceptable, this is not a choice for them.” said the mayor.

The motion will set aside $50 million over the next ten years to help improve social housing and lower homelessness. $20 million will come from the city extending it’s loan repayment schedule for projects like Tim Hortons Field. The remaining $30 million will be derived from annual payments from the Horizon Utilties merger.

Eisenberger admits that money alone isn’t going to solve the problem entirely but believes that those in need will feel the benefits

Like Ursella, who pays $700 per month for rent as she continues to wait years on the social housing list along with 5500 other Hamiltonians.

“You have to decide sometimes if it’s the rent or the bills, or how your kids are going to eat.”

And she’s definitely not alone.

While the idea is commendable, there were still some reservations.

There were still two councillors who had some concerns. Firstly, the $50 million allocated for the issue and secondly, the lack of a plan of how this money will be spent.

“It’s $50 million and it’s being spent outside the budget process where you have to get in line with the other issues.” said Ward 12 Councillor Llyod Ferguson.

“I don’t know why council would expect taxpayers would be comfortable with saying, ‘We’re going to spend $50million’, we don’t know where it’s going to go but we’re going to spend that $50 million of your dollars and we’ll tell you later when we figure it out.” said Ward 7 Councillor Donna Skelly.

Eisenberger will consult with with members of council, provincial and federal government along with affected Hamiltonians to have a plan setup by October.