The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux cover image

The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux

NIMBYs will Fight Even the Gentlest of Density

Oct 9, 2024
The podcast dives into the heated world of NIMBYism in Toronto, spotlighting a community's fierce push against gentle garden suites. Cara expresses her frustration over local councilors siding with residents who resist change to preserve neighborhood identity. The conversation also tackles the urgent need for affordable housing versus the desires of long-time residents. With a humorous comparison of public complaints to toddler tantrums, the hosts emphasize the importance of civic engagement in shaping urban planning and advocating for housing solutions.
13:39

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • NIMBYism in Toronto complicates efforts to introduce gentle density housing like garden suites, undermining city-wide housing goals.
  • Residents' emotional attachment to neighborhood character often conflicts with the urgent need for diverse and accessible housing options.

Deep dives

NIMBYism and Housing Supply Challenges

The issue of nimbyism among city councilors is highlighted as they attempt to navigate and sometimes bypass citywide upzoning rules, which are intended to increase housing supply. Despite new regulations allowing garden suites throughout Toronto, some residents are pushing for exemptions that would preserve the existing character of their neighborhood, showing resistance to changes that could introduce denser housing options. This scenario illustrates a common struggle where local interests clash with broader housing demands, emphasizing that even minimal adjustments to housing policies face significant opposition. Such nimbyistic attitudes can hinder progress toward solving the housing crisis, as they prioritize maintaining the status quo over accommodating new housing developments.

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