What: 3rd annual YIMBY Festival
When: Saturday, Oct 25, 2008, 11am-5pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W (Queen & Dufferin)
Why: To gather strength as YIMBYs
How much: Free (including a Kids Room)

YIMBY is a local, non partisan political event that brings together politicians, business associations, neighbourhood groups and citizens to share ideas on how to make Toronto a better city by promoting healthy community development through open discussion. The festival encourages Torontonians to actively participate in the city building process and to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of citizen groups.

“YIMBY is a one day festival that invites groups and residents to ‘turn the tables’ on policy makers by inviting them to see the work that we do outside of the antagonistic dynamics of official meetings. It creates a voice for the public and advocates change,” says YIMBY festival producer, Magda Olszanowski.

Now in its third year, the YIMBY festival is gaining strength and attracts key local politicians, including the MP’s from the Green Party, Adam Giambrone, Adam Vaughan, and Gord Perks. Over 40 community groups will also be in attendance to share their thoughts on improving Toronto.

YIMBY was founded in 2006 by Christina Zeidler, president of the Gladstone Hotel. It stemmed from her work with neighbourhood groups who were responding to widespread unchecked development in the Queen West triangle. She realized that many groups were unfairly labeled “Not in My Backyard,” when so often, they were the individuals who were networking, sharing information and ensuring people do not get left behind in the city building process.

For more information about this free public event, please visit the YIMBY website:

YIMBY BLOG

[ 21 October 2008: Message edited by: Magdalena Olszanowski ]

YIMBYism needs to present itself as a driving force in Toronto. The city makes it too easy for people to say NO to healthy development, which is counterintuitive to creating a livable city.