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w at er lo oc hr on ic le .c a W at er lo o C hr on ic le | T hu rs da y, Ju ly 14 ,2 02 2 | 16 Crossword sudoku AdVANCEd This wEEk's ANswErs Diversions ACROSS 1. Complains 6. Hog's dwelling 9. That dude 12. Another time 13. Foot part 14. Keats work 15. Small drum 16. Glossy paints 18. Prevents 20. Vicinity 21. Recede, as the tide 24. Lacy mat 26. Perches 29. More slack 33. Gather and organize 34. Establish as true 35. Bends down 37. Attack 38. Chirps 40. Tissue layer 41. Sensible 44. Informal denial 46. Washer setting 48. Calculated sums 53. Broadcast 54. Had food 55. Red cosmetic 56. Little bit 57. Door opener 58. Windowsill DOWN 1. Truck component 2. In times past 3. Hurried 4. Young swine 5. Stuck-up person 6. Office worker, for short 7. Throat part 8. Team cheer 9. Weeder 10. Not moving 11. Flat-topped formation 17. Municipal officials 19. Promotional spots 21. Goofs up 22. Skiff 23. ____ tie 25. Clips 27. Inclines 28. Kind 30. TV serial 31. Something wicked 32. Bank (on) 36. Legislative body 37. Venomous snake 39. Slammer 41. Petty argument 42. Elaborate melody 43. Geek 45. Nobleman 47. Desk wood 49. Buck's companion 50. Faulty item 51. Breakfast item 52. Letter after cee Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling Ontario cities are being asked to solve a problem that should not be theirs to solve. Ours is the only prov- ince in Canada that down- loads the cost of social housing onto municipali- ties, placing undue strain on local budgets. Add to that the overlap- ping concerns around ad- diction and mental health -- issues that can, in some cases, be connected to homelessness -- and even more provincial support is required. Failure to adequately fund these supports at the provincial level simply ex- acerbates the problems be- ing faced at the municipal level. As of last fall, the num- ber of people experiencing homelessness in our com- munity was more than 1,000. Of those, more than 400 "lived rough," meaning they slept in vehicles, door- ways, or in tents. Also last year, our re- gional government ap- proved a "Better Building Futures Housing Strate- gy," with a commitment to building 2,500 affordable homes in five years. The strategy surpassed its goal of 500 homes in its first year and is on track to exceed that goal again in 2022. With waiting lists for af- fordable homes currently as long as seven years, calls for more of those homes to be accessible to those liv- ing with disabilities, and with the very visible signs of chronic homelessness on our streets, it's fair to ask if the region's strategy is bold enough. The conditions in our community today suggest it is not. But maybe that bolder model is right be- fore our eyes. In 2003, the City of Kitchener approved its $110-million Economic De- velopment Investment Fund (EDIF), a 10-year pro- gram dedicated to strategic investments, particularly in the downtown core. The program was funded, in part, through a special one per cent tax levy. In hind- sight, it's hard to argue that EDIF was anything short of a resounding success. Our regional govern- ment could take a similar approach to housing, only bolder. A one per cent regional tax levy would generate $5.8 million annually, while costing the average homeowner an additional $22. Even over 10 years, though, it's hard to imagine $58 million being much more than a Band-Aid on what is a massive housing problem. But what if someone had the courage to propose a 10- year plan with a 10 per cent annual increase, dedicated entirely to the homeless- ness crisis? We've seen area munici- palities apply such steep increases to "catch up" on stormwater infrastruc- ture, so why not take the same approach to solve housing? A 10 per cent levy would cost the average home- owner about $220 per year, while raising about $580 million over 10 years. Rather than leave the administration of this fund in the hands of the govern- ment, let's work with third- party external agencies al- ready skilled in building affordable and supportive housing, and others that have experience in provid- ing critical outreach. Such a bold promise by government might inspire private sector support within the development community, similar to the just-announced partner- ship between Perimeter Development Corporation and The Working Centre. The model proved to be a success 20 years ago when the City of Kitchener decided economic stimula- tion of its downtown was a key municipal priority. Is affordable housing the same priority today? I think it's an even great- er priority, and I'll be the first in line with an addi- tional $220 per year to ad- dress that priority. Columnist Mike Far- well is a broadcaster, MC and advocate. Follow him on Twitter at @far- well_WR, or connect with him via Mike.Far- well@rci.rogers.com. CONDITIONS SUGGEST REGION'S HOMELESS STRATEGY NOT BOLD ENOUGH OPINION MIKE FARWELL Column Tents sit close together at the homeless encampment at the corner of Victoria and Weber streets in Kitchener. Mathew McCarthy/Waterloo Region Record