Editor:
Re: Entitled Burnaby house owners shouldn't block density. Let us in – NOW Opinion
Allison Remy, your letter of opinion certainly shows how you are so poorly aware and are one of "those" who believes they are entitled to something for nothing.
If you believe that just because we NIMBYs, living in single-family homes, we are wealthy millionaires, (then) you don't understand the sacrifices we made to be able to afford to live in Burnaby.
And now being retired, we are still struggling to keep ourselves from going back into debt so we can actually afford to live here with our property taxes, home maintenance costs, costs to put food on our tables and the general cost-of-living increases. The compounded percentage increases are taking their toll. We live off hard-earned savings, and some have small pensions that are not keeping up with inflation.
Deferring taxes does not mean they do not need to be paid; they are only deferred with a cost attached.
Sorry to inform you we do not live a life of luxury, we are of diverse cultures and ethnicities, and we are certainly not being allowed to enjoy the so-called wealth you refer to in your opinion letter.
We put in our time in this community to make our community what it is today, and we enjoy it. We worked and have paid our taxes so the city could build community facilities and preserve areas in the city for the use of our community.
The Official Community Plan is to lay the groundwork for future development and for the city to follow, so our community is organized and a great place to live for all and not just a few select fools. The question is, why do you think it should be ignored just for you or others of your mindset?
Your comment: "My advice to those not wanting density in their backyard, sell your home and go live anywhere else you could possibly want because you're all multimillionaires. More density equals affordable housing, my generation and those younger than me need a helping hand and it's up to you to lend it."
Why should I sell my home and move anywhere? Anywhere just might not be more affordable. That's something you may want to explore.
We have given a helping hand to our younger generation who live in high density. Their homes are not any more affordable than the many towers you see being built as they are just as expensive in "$$$ per square footage" as our homes. So do not fool yourself that more density means more affordable housing.
Cramming into a tiny little box does not improve your life. It only causes more stress in your life, more stress on our resources, more stress on utility and city infrastructure, more stress on our transportation systems, and more stress on climate change.
Take a step back and relax. You'll eventually get to where we NIMBYs are. You just won't get there overnight; it's taken years for us NIMBYs to create a comfortable life. When we are gone, you can have your turn. Just don't think you have the right to jump the queue.
Don Anderson, Burnaby
