‘Not in my backyard’ pushback blocking much-needed affordable housing, experts say

Concerns over a lack of parking that led councillors in St. John’s, N.L., to axe a proposal for affordable housing last week are part of a larger trend that is halting much-needed development across the country, experts say.Whether they’re about issues like parking, traffic, sunlight or neighbourhood character, “not in my backyard” – or NIMBY – excuses mask the reality that people don’t want change in their communities, said Ray Sullivan, executive director of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association.