Re: "Landrex, Fort McKay ink $176M deal," The Gazette, March 9.
This news story made my wife and I terrified for what is to come. Landrex has partnered with Fort Mckay First Nations to build 300 long-term rental units and 100 assisted-living units just north of Coal Mine Road and east of St. Albert Trail.
The optics might sound positive, but everywhere this style of residence is built, trouble and crime follow. Areas surrounding the Travelodge (west and south Edmonton) and Sands Hotel (Yellowhead Trail) locations have had large increases in vehicle break-ins, vehicle theft, home break-ins, drug problems, and violent crimes. These are being used for temporary low-income and homeless shelters. I have been inside these facilities, and they have been destroyed.
I am all for second chances, but when so many chances and opportunities have been given and the result is always the same, I have no empathy for those who do not choose to rise above their circumstances and attempt to become something more.
The “not-in-my-backyard” approach is why I wrote this letter. I hope a huge number of St. Albert residents stand up, take note, and voice their complete displeasure with the chance of this “Urban Village” being built so close to St. Albert.
D. Marcinyshyn, St. Albert
