land use planning

NIMBY vs YIMBY (Not In My Backyard vs Yes In My Backyard)

  • NIMBY (Not In My Backyard):

    • Definition: A term used to describe residents who oppose new developments, such as housing and factories, in their neighborhoods.

    • Concerns include:

    • Lowering of property values.

    • Increased traffic.

    • Noise pollution.

  • YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard):

    • Definition: Supporters of new developments in their neighborhoods.

    • Focus:

    • Address housing shortages.

    • Reduce urban sprawl.

Affordable Housing vs Local Character

  • Affordable Housing:

    • Purpose: To assist individuals and families of various income levels in finding housing.

    • Benefits:

    • Allows residents to live near their workplaces and schools.

    • Helps avoid lengthy commutes from outskirts.

  • Local Character:

    • Concern:

    • Opposition to the introduction of affordable homes that might alter the existing character of the neighborhood.

    • Example:

    • Residents of heritage neighborhoods opposing modern home constructions in their area.

Environmental Protection vs Development Pressure

  • Environmental Protection:

    • Focus: To safeguard nature and wildlife to help combat climate change.

  • Development Pressure:

    • Factor: Population growth and increased housing demand leading to urban sprawl.

Politics in Planning

  • Influence of Elections:

    • Politicians make promises about housing, transportation, and environmental issues to gain voter support.

  • Lobbying:

    • Developers, businesses, and community organizations lobby to influence political decisions in favor of their interests.

    • Example:

      • In 2022, Doug Ford announced he would remove 7,400 acres of protected land for development purposes.

Indigenous Nations and Land Authority

  • Indigeneous Nations retain authority over certain lands.

  • Importance of collaboration and consent in planning processes.

    • Land Ownership:

    • Indigenous nations control approximately 5-10% of land.

Future Trends in Land Use Planning

  • Sustainable Climate Resilient Design:

    • Aim: To reduce the negative impacts of climate change through innovative design strategies.

    • Features:

    • Incorporation of green technologies such as gardens atop buildings.

    • Objective to achieve lower emissions and a more sustainable environment.