It was indeed a dark night for the homeless and the community Monday when council defeated the re-zoning request for the housing project.
This seemed to go against all reason and made on the basis of misinformation and fear. It was also counter to the view of what Abbotsford wishes to be, a city of character.
At the meeting, the mayor and council committed themselves to place homelessness as a major agenda item for action.
It is now incumbent upon council, the business community, the social agencies and the community to honour this commitment.
The homeless deserve no less. The community deserves no less.
Walter Paetkau, Abbotsford