Montreal·Podcast

Should neighbours be able to block housing projects?

While some argue referendums on new housing developments amount to NIMBYism during a housing crisis, others argue citizens should have the power to block projects that don't meet neighbourhood needs.
A composite image of the This is Montreal logo on top of a construction site.
In this episode of This is Montreal, we explore the conflicts that come up when new housing projects are proposed. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

New housing developments, especially highrises that require zoning changes, can draw opposition from residents.

In some cases, they lead to referendums on whether the projects can go ahead.

While some argue referendums amount to NIMBYism during a housing crisis, others argue citizens should have the power to block projects that don't meet neighbourhood needs.

LISTEN | Should neighbours be able to block housing projects?: 
New housing developments, especially highrises that require zoning changes, can draw opposition from residents, in some cases leading to referendums on whether the projects can go ahead. While some argue referendums amount to NIMBYism during a housing crisis, others argue citizens should have the power to block projects that don’t meet neighbourhood needs.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ainslie MacLellan is a journalist at CBC Montreal. Follow her on Twitter: @CBCAinslie.