Documentary Series - Shifting Neighbourhoods
Above: Two homes being built on one property
What Is this about?
Over the past few years, I've noticed a trend in my area. Houses that sat where they did for years being sold, torn down, and built in their places are tall, modern, square homes. These properties are often split from one number to a number with a letter tacked on the end. One residence into two, which are then generally rented out. To fit an extra family onto the one property, these houses are often built narrow but tall, and as a result end up sticking out like a sore thumb among houses that have been homes for decades. I've jokingly called them "baby's first minecraft house" but they bring to light something that's been on my mind for a while: homeownership.
Left: One of the new developments towering over a much shorter house. Right: A new development sits on the left side of the street, a portable toilet sits on a lawn across the street
Why did I choose the capture this?
I chose to capture this for a few reasons. For one, I'd love to own my own home in the city at some point, and seeing these new developments leaves me concerned that I won't be able to afford a property when a landlord is looking to double their profits. A friend that was looking to buy a house only wound up successful when they started looking on the outskirts of the city. I also worry about the personality of the neighbourhoods these developments are popping up in. The only house with a proper wheelchair ramp in my own neighbourhood was bought & torn down at the start of the pandemic, and already in its place is a 3 story building with large windows that reflect the sun's glare into the eyes of any passerby. These buildings, in my eyes, serve more purpose playing into minimalist aesthetics than as a proper home.
Above: the street-facing fence of a development. It has a mailbox, but no notice of project or paperwork of any sort is posted to it.
What was learned?
Despite this being on my mind for over a year now, I never truly noticed how common the phenomenon was until I began walking around my neighbourhood actively looking for them. I learned from one person that one development (shown above) hasn't posted any sort of notice or permit on their fence despite being in construction since around summer of 2020, and despite the request from several residents in the area. If I want to become a homeowner before I retire, I may have to start hunting well before it'll be a real option for me.
