Last week, we were at the Mississauga City Hall to fight against our neighbours’ request for a variance change.
Our neighbours wanted to build a garage with a balcony overlooking our backyard right next to our fence.
We submitted an objection because of the “adverse impact to our privacy.”
The Committee decided they would only approve the proposal if the balcony was removed.
Then they invited me to come down to speak because, “you’re already here and you made the effort to wear a suit.”
Me, “well, I’m wearing a suit because it’s Thursday. We are only objecting to the balcony due to privacy issues overlooking our backyard. But we think a garage is a great idea – last year, our car was stolen off our driveway in broad day-light!”
The Chair, “Actually, I think I saw your car last week in Dubai!”
Me, “Only parts of the car ended up there! But, on a side note, I just wanted to compliment you. I’ve been to many committee meetings and feel you are a very strong Chair the way you controlled the audience.”
Let’s just say there were no shortage of NIMBY’s at the hearings giving their story, but the Chair politely cut them off because their grievances were rarely relevant to the matters at hand.
It was very interesting to see the process live and I learned a lot for our future variance requests.
At least now the neighbours can’t tattle on me when I forget to mow the lawn
