NIMBYism

Below are some exchanges on a local bulletin board about development.  Names have been changed and text edited for clarity.

GP writes:
 
Saying that a duplex is a problem in Central Frederick does not prove the point. When you buy a house, it is the biggest investment most people make. I do have a concern if another property owner gets an exemption to legal provisions on what can be built near me. Also, if there is a process by which development should occur (governed by zoning, official plans, policies on tall buildings, heritage rules, provincial policy statements to name a few) and those laws and policies are subject to provincial requirements to consult, then we, as home owners and citizens have a right to comment on what is built next to us.
 
SS replies:
 
We should certainly get a say. Absolutely. But the Belmont proposal is replacing a gas station and is absolutely appropriate for the area. The letter to the editor introduces a red herring by claiming the residents would be all over building affordable housing in their hood. I think not.
 
TP replies:
 
Good point. Feels like a lose-lose scenario if people complain that we don't need a $1-3 million dollar unit building that doesn't exactly help to reduce the housing issue, yet may oppose affordable housing with judgements that "affordable", may equate to low income and thus the stereotypes begin (sadly). My fear with this development in a quaint village like Belmont, is after this one...then comes one more, then comes one more etc and now you have no more quaint village. If I wanted to live in Toronto, I would move there. Sometimes its worth preserving these gems vs all about the buck for developers. Also, is it just me, but why are there numerous high rise building all around University Ave half empty for years now, (not covid related), yet no developers would consider turning some of these student buildings into seniors apartments or affordable housing units? I guess its always about the dollar...
 
WW writes:
 
… when I look at the skyline from the West to East, we are close to being like Toronto. All I see is high rises and cranes and know of many proposals that are on the drawing boards of multi story towers. It is going to be a big change for all of us. I personally don’t like it. Waterloo Region is growing too quickly, out of control growth. Too bad.
 
RW replies:
 
"Out of control"? In what fashion? Because it's happening quickly? We're one of the fastest growing urban areas in the country... we need new housing, and we need it fast. I, for one, am happy to see intensification of existing residential areas, especially if it means less agricultural land is being bulldozed for subdivisions and parking lots.

TO writes:
 
NIMBYism -- what's wrong with that? Nobody wants their property values degraded. If they choose to call opposition NIMBYism --- so be it. Don't forget what a small town Toronto used to be, and not so terribly long ago. They predict that Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Guelph, K-W, Cambridge & London will all eventually blend into one massive city the very same way that the burroughs of Scarborough, Etobicoke, York, Don Mills and others for example have all blended in & are now just divisions of Toronto. It's the same here -- you don't know when you have left Kitchener & entered Waterloo until you see the population sign. The growth of these big cities is never ending. I don't know if I'm a bit off topic here but you can't stop what city planners want to do.

AA writes:
 
YIMBYs paint all critics of development as entitled, self-interested NIMBYs who have no concern for the greater good — ignoring the fact that it is quite possible to be skeptical of a development for reasons other than personal greed. Developers play a huge role in shaping urban economies. Yet they’re accountable to their investors, not to the communities where they build. It is hardly an understatement to say that many of the luxury developments fail to address any of the existing concerns of that community. Nevertheless, YIMBYs attempt to claim the mantle of equity and fairness, and to pigeonhole all critics of development as reactionary opponents of progress. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as many YIMBY groups in the US are funded in part by developers and real estate interests. And it looks like Canada is following suit.
 
HH replies:
 
it is all about intensification.  ….Many people are selling here and relocating where it is cheaper housing. Everything is relative. Prices are high so some are taking advantage of it. It is intensification that is fueling high prices.
 
WW writes:
It’s called demand. Too much population growth and too few new dwellings being built for a multitude of reasons. Intensification is the result.