Editor:
Re: Thompson Rivers University president Brett Fairbairn’s column of Aug. 30 (‘Don’t blame international students’):
I find it troubling that the president of TRU is doing exactly what he claims others in politics are doing — placing the blame for our housing crisis elsewhere.
The fact is, TRU has continued to show its students that it would rather build expensive condos, rather than affordable student residences, on its campus. TRU would rather focus on Band-Aid solutions and other priorities — such as the proposed Summit Drive pedestrian overpass — rather than lasting results.
Had the university put its efforts toward building affordable housing for students, perhaps we wouldn’t have students living in camp-style accommodations.
While I agree solutions to the housing crisis are complex and interwoven with all levels of government, it is unfair for TRU to basically wash its hands of any major responsibility.
When students see massive parking lots like lots N and T taking up huge portions of the campus, it raises the question: could TRU not build affordable housing there and simply have parkades underneath?
Of course, TRU would likely charge a premium for underground parking. As a student of TRU, I am always in awe of the lack of accountability and leadership the university takes.
So, in response to Fairbairn’s request to not blame international students, I do not. I blame TRU.
Corbin Kelley
Kamloops
