'Affordable housing in all neighbourhoods': Flag raisings mark YIMBY Week across Simcoe County

Redwood Park Communities championing Yes In My Backyard initiative

Simcoe.com
June 14, 2023
Brett Glover

Flags has been raised in recognition of YIMBY Week across Simcoe County.

Officials gathered at Barrie City Hall on Tuesday, June 13 to raise a Yes In My Backyard flag, one of three flag raisings planned across Simcoe County, to recognize a campaign championed by Redwood Park Communities. A flag-raising ceremony was anticipated for Orillia on Tuesday and Midland on Wednesday.

The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing throughout an entire community.

"We believe that good city planning includes housing across the entire income spectrum, and that people should be able to live where they work, in where they play, and near their families. They want to be part of thriving communities and that means affordable housing in all neighbourhoods," said Jennifer Van Gennip, spokesperson for Redwood Park.

Rebekah Vaughan, manager of collaboration and partnerships for the United Way of Simcoe Muskoka, points out that homelessness doesn't just affect those living in urban centres.

"The work that we do definitely acknowledges and prioritizes rural and remote (projects). Some of the projects we do really want to highlight poverty and social inclusion are our goals; we want to address food and housing and social inclusion for sure," she told Simcoe.com following Tuesday's flag-raising ceremony.

The City of Barrie has declared June 12 to 17 YIMBY Week in the city, according to a proclamation via Mayor Alex Nuttall and read by Barrie councillor Amy Courser on Tuesday.

"Everyone in Barrie deserves to have a safe and affordable, hopeful place to call home," reads the proclamation.

For more information on Redwood Park's YIMBY campaign, visit its website at redwoodparkcommunities.com.