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Silent Erosion: How Densification Undermines Community and Climate

By Christy Daibert,
Sept 30, 2025


Those advocating for the densification and transformation of established neighbourhoods should seriously consider alternative locations, areas where new development can be planned from the ground up, without compromising existing communities.

It is deeply troubling to see such projects prioritized over critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, which are currently overwhelmed. When wait times for even basic care stretch to 12 hours, it’s not just inconvenient, it’s a public health failure.

One has to wonder: are these decisions being made in the public interest, or are they being driven by private developers focused solely on profit?. From a quality-of-life perspective, the consequences are just as concerning. Homeowners are now being forced to live next to multi-unit buildings that disrupt the character of the neighbourhood, not just visually, but audibly, with noise from multiple heat pumps often becoming unbearable*.

There is also a clear disregard for architectural harmony and the cultural fabric of these communities. Worse still is the environmental toll. Centuries-old trees, including majestic oaks that help regulate temperature, transpire 40,000 gallons of water per year which we need, absorb carbon, and provide irreplaceable beauty, are being cut down with little consideration. In a time of climate crisis, this is nothing short of irresponsible.

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*Heat pumps are an effective technology, but when clustered in multiplex or townhouse developments, their combined noise can significantly disturb neighbouring residents, unlike single units on standalone properties.