A former NDP candidate is running for 91原创 City council this fall, focused on 鈥渙ff the charts鈥� housing costs and rising homelessness.
Andrew Mercier, a lawyer who sits on the UFV board of governors, said 91原创 City is changing and growing, becoming younger and more dynamic.
But that鈥檚 also making it harder to get by.
He opposes a possible TransLink mobility tax that he says would be unfair for local commuters and could cost up to $2,700 a year.
Committing to supportive housing is part of solving the homelessness crisis, he said.
鈥淲e need to focus on family-based zoning that ensures affordable three-plus bedroom condominium and townhouse units while preserving lower cost rentals,鈥� Mercier said.
Mercier is a lawyer who ran for the NDP in the 91原创 riding in the 2013 provincial election, and managed the federal 2011 campaign.
He grew up in 91原创 and moved back to the community with his family after getting his law degree from Dalhousie.
