Local developer David Brown receives Bruce County YIMBY Team Housing Award

Local developer David Brown was surprised and honoured to be named the recipient of the 2014 Bruce County YIMBY (Yes, In My Back Yard) Team Housing Award.

The award was presented by YIMBY Team chairman Rev. Herb Klaehn, Thursday afternoon, at the county's social services and housing committee meeting.

"It is an honour and a pleasure to be here to present this award to David (Brown)," said Klaehn. "He has been a YIMBY Team member since 2011 and is an important part of the development of affordable housing in Toronto, as well as here in Bruce County.

"He grew up in Ripley and when David speaks, people listen. He is thoughtful and offers valued wisdom. He is a tremendous community citizen, and I can't think of a more deserving recipient of this award."

Brown thanked the YIMBY Team for this recognition, and said wherever he goes, including many conferences, he always takes the opportunity to speak about Bruce County, Kincardine, Ripley, the YIMBY Team, and the importance of affordable housing.

"The YIMBY Team is very important," he said. "For years, I've worked in development in Toronto, constantly facing the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) groups. In Bruce County, so many organizations are represented on this team that is working to change lives by providing affordable housing.

"Thank you again for this award - it's a wonderful surprise."

He also thanked three individuals who have helped him along the way and were at the presentation: Kincardine realtor Russ Coultrup, Lee Nefsky who has worked with him in Toronto for 20 years, and Graham Gibson of the Royal Bank.

The Housing Award is presented each year to an individual who meets the criteria of having an impact on, creating innovation to, and having commitment to, affordable housing in Bruce County.