ownership is a one-way flow away from working people in Ward 2. Well-intentioned home-buying can’t reverse it—we must have help from policy makers.
In the end I was lucky enough to find a home in Ward 2 that had no history of rentals, and I’m proud to belong to this community. But we can do better for residents in Windsor who are struggling to provide shelter for themselves and their families—who want to keep Windsor a great place to live and who want to keep money here in this community. And to do better, we need the right rules, policies, and legislation.
Conclusion
Both federal laws--such as the Investment Canada Act and Competition Act--and provincial laws—may restrict the ownership of real estate by non-residents. This may not fall directly under the jurisdiction of Windsor City Council. But as representatives of Windsor residents who want a safe, healthy local community and economy--it is your responsibility to advocate for legislative changes at the provincial and federal levels. Stop saying it is a student issue and not your responsibility.
- Collect data.
- Communicate and get support from the cities listed in the report
- Advocate for legislative change that directly deals with speculation and rent control.
I do not accept that my municipal representatives are waiting for the college and university to make my community a better place. I do not accept that provincial law makers know what is best in our city, without your voices. Educating students on how to enforce rules and regulations is good, but not enough. Students are here short-term and their studies are their priority. Make it your priority to speak for ALL the residents here in Windsor and advocate for legislation that directly deals with the problem of rental speculation.