Time and time again, we see small groups of residents resisting progress—not because a project is bad, but simply because they don’t want change near them. The latest example is the 23 individuals blocking a $35-million, 76-unit housing development that could bring much-needed homes, jobs, and investment to Digby.

The biggest flaw in the NIMBY argument? It prioritizes personal preference over the greater good of the community. Everyone agrees Digby needs housing. Where do you expect people to live if every project is blocked? Doctors, nurses, teachers, and workers who want to move here can’t find housing, yet a vocal minority is willing to sabotage growth just to avoid a minor inconvenience.
Here’s the truth about NIMBYism:

Land Use Changes Over Time – No neighborhood stays the same forever. The land in question has been vacant for years—plenty of time for these 23 individuals to buy it themselves if they were so concerned. They didn’t. Now that someone is willing to invest, they suddenly have objections? That’s not reasonable.

You Don’t Own the Whole Town – Property owners have the right to develop within zoning and planning regulations. The Digby Town Council followed due process and approved the project. It’s not the role of a small group of people to dictate how an entire town should grow.

Blocking Housing Harms Everyone – When there aren’t enough homes, prices rise, young families move away, businesses struggle to hire, and communities shrink. Digby is already in population and economic decline—and this kind of resistance ensures it stays that way.

Nova Scotia’s Municipal Government Act (MGA) Supports Development – Section 213 of the MGA makes it clear that municipal planning strategies are meant to support responsible growth. The Town Council followed the legal process. This appeal is a stall tactic, not a legitimate argument.

Your “View” Doesn’t Outweigh Community Needs – Complaints about “shadows” or “neighborhood character” are privileged excuses that ignore the fact that real people are struggling to find places to live. Aesthetic concerns should never outweigh basic housing needs.

Digby is losing because of this kind of backward thinking. Investors are taking notice. Wallace is already considering leaving. How many more developers will walk away before we realize we can’t afford to keep saying NO?