This blog post is written in response to the affordable housing development proposed by Trellis in the Bowness community. The project aims to provide 50 housing units for families with children—not for addicts, single men, or individuals considered “problematic.” Despite thorough planning that accounts for concerns like parking, privacy, and the building's impact, some community members are opposing the project. This message is directed at those who are against the development and the wider "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) sentiment held by property owners.
As a social worker in Calgary, I engage with dozens of Calgarians every day, many of whom are desperate for support. Each month, we try to assist hundreds of families, the vast majority of them being single mothers. At our current capacity, we simply don’t have enough housing to accommodate them. The waitlist for affordable housing stretches up to 4-5 years, leaving families in limbo, with little hope for stability.
Due to the current social and political climate, I’m forced to turn down 80% of those seeking help with rent, utilities, or damage deposits. Every day, I hear people sobbing over the phone—not just one or two, but dozens of individuals, week after week. And this has been going on for years.
Single mothers and fathers are being pushed to the edge—living in their cars, scraping by on what little they can find. Some are turning to desperate measures, including theft or sex work, simply to survive.
If you truly cared about fostering safe, thriving communities with parks and green spaces for children to enjoy, then you’d care about providing them with a place to live. Until affordable housing becomes a priority, the only concern seems to be the rising value of your property. The longer we delay, the more we’ll see people turning to drugs or other desperate measures, leading to more litter, overdoses, and crime. And you’ll be the first to complain about that.
This isn’t just a housing crisis—it’s a generational crisis. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are growing up frustrated, angry, and increasingly resentful of a system that leaves so many behind. I’m not just advocating for my clients; I’m speaking out because the opposition to affordable housing represents an existential threat to all of us—my friends, my younger siblings, and future generations.
The area Trellis is proposing for affordable housing development is designated for this purpose. By resisting it, you’re not only opposing low-income families; you’re wasting time, energy, and resources—yours included. Developers have meticulously planned for considerations like parking, building shadows, and privacy. Yet, despite all their efforts, opposition persists, wasting taxpayer dollars and stalling progress.
You are more than just a political opponent—you’re an existential threat our entire community. Without regulation and laws, those like you would exploit vulnerable populations even further. And I get it—it’s just a property investment for retirement. But to us, to the families I work with, this is personal. We have every right to push back, to resist, and to demand better.
At first, I was sympathetic to your perspective. After all, you’re just working within the system, and how mad could I be about that? You’re looking out for your retirement, trying to secure a decent future. But in doing so, you're burning the bridge after you’ve crossed it. I understand that the bigger issue is rooted in broader policies and supply challenges.
However, unlike stocks, property investment directly impacts people’s lives. You’re not just dealing with numbers on a screen—you’re influencing the future of real families. So, if my passion and anger irritate you, don’t take it personally. It’s not about you—it’s about the harm that this system inflicts on others.
I’m not fighting for property values—I’m fighting for people, real people, who don’t have the privilege of a voice. When I clock out, I get to enjoy things like pickleball in my lovely community. I want my clients to have that opportunity too. But without stable, affordable housing, they won’t. I won’t stop advocating until more housing—especially affordable housing—is built for them.
If you’ve made it this far, another minute won’t hurt. Please share your opinion here at the bottom of the page and show your support for the affordable housing project. Your voice matters, and every second you take to speak up can help a family get closer to finding a home.