“It kind of gnaws at you — you feel like there’s an injustice done,” he said about what he sees as a lack of affordable social housing in the Friendly City.
The 70-year-old retired psychiatric nurse and former Five Hills Regional Health Authority board member told the Times-Herald that one of his goals, if elected, would be to advocate for the city to invest at least $50,000 a year (and preferably $100,000) towards social housing.
Gray said the province and feds have programs to match any such municipal investments. He added local people dealing with various mental health issues can have difficulties recovering if they are unable to find quality living conditions.
Lesley Gray - “It kind of gnaws at you — you feel like there’s an injustice done."
Another important issue for Gray is public transportation. He said the current lack of buses in evenings and on Sundays limits the activities in which those with mobility issues can partake.
As an example, he said it’s very difficult for some elderly people who can’t drive to attend church without adequate bus service, which he sees as unfortunate.
“Their religion becomes expendable.”
