Infill housing a boon, not blight

This is a response to the article about infill lots (As infill housing goes up, residents worry about a loss of neighbourhood character, July 5).

I find it disturbing that this perspective was delivered in such a one-sided fashion on the front page of the LeaderPost. Regina is a growing city, and the article would suggest that is not a boon but a calamity, something that is ruining the city’s character. I could not disagree more. And more importantly the young families and couples looking to start lives here in our community and alongside us all are valued Canadians looking for a chance to start a life in a great home. A great home that helps these families build their wealth and their freedom. Perhaps instead of seeing these infill homes as blights on a neighbourhood, we should see them for what they are: symbols of our city’s confident strides toward a brighter, more prosperous future.

Moreover, it’s unfortunate that the folks in the article are disappointed with the quality of the new homes and the “danger” they pose to their neighbourhoods. I can say unambiguously, as an infill lot builder myself, that each house I build is constructed with the lives and loves of the homeowners in mind. My sole objective is to create a home that folks live well in. That they get wealthy in. My homes are built with fine attention to quality and detail, with exceptional attention to light and space — they receive only positive comments.

I understand there are risks posed to the houses beside my builds. I do everything possible to safeguard against damage. And of course all construction planning is approved by the city authorities, and the city inspectors monitor and approve each step of construction along the way.

So next time, let’s celebrate our shared journey forward instead of looking backward. Michael Katz, president of Heartgold Homes Inc., Regina