“NOT IN MY BACKYARD” – a cry often heard from community members opposed to new projects taking place within close proximity to their homes or businesses – often due to unfounded concerns for safety and well being if controversial projects move forward. Those controversial projects are often tied to our communities most vulnerable people.
One group of concerned Regina citizens is seeking an end to what they say is a discriminatory practice. Sparked by a June 12, 2024 council meeting, where the Regina City Council narrowly voted six to five against a proposal for the Permanent Emergency Shelter Project at 1420 and 1440 Albert Street. The decision followed strong opposition from several local business owners who expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on their businesses. Their comments expressed fears of increased crime, loitering, and a decline in property values, among other issues.
NIMBYism often reflects negative attitudes or stereotypes about people living in affordable housing or using emergency shelters. It is seen as a form of discrimination against low-income and unhoused individuals, which according to the Ontario Human Rights commission is where NIMBYism becomes a human rights issue.
In Regina – the call against shelters like the proposed one for the Emergency Shelter Project borders on racism – as at the time of the 2021 “Point-in-Time count” of the cities homeless- it was revealed that 79% of the city’s unhoused population is Indigenous. A significant portion also includes people with disabilities.
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination based on “race or perceived race,” “disability,” and “receipt of public assistance.” On these grounds, the group of Regina citizens led by community leader Florence Stratton has initiated a campaign to ban NIMBYism from all City meetings, whether spoken by community members or councilors.
The campaign argues that such comments are discriminatory and harm vulnerable populations. Once 100 signatures are collected, the petition will be presented at City Hall.
