As the chair of the Scarborough Community Council, I have the task to represent the unanimous position taken by community council to voice our concerns against the debate of allowing rooming houses "as a right" in any neighbourhood.

One must respond when the debate shifts from a staff report to an ideological debate.

There is no opposition for uniform rules for rooming houses where they are allowed.

In Scarborough, legal second suites plus the housing of up to two boarders as a right has addressed the argument of affordable accommodation. The notion of illegal rooming houses becoming legal is a fantasy.

There is no right of entry for inspection. These units, whether legal or illegal, are a business, yet, classified as single-family homes paying the same taxes. They also create issues in the neighbourhood which, with limited city bylaw resources, can be addressed usually in a non-timely manner.

The city has spent millions on affordable housing. To pretend that nothing is being done is wrong. I would remind The Mirror that our responsibility is to represent the communities we serve in a balanced and fair manner.

Mike Del Grande