Common Interest Development in Canada: Private Communities and the Future of Canadian Cities

Abstract

This paper examines the phenomenon of Common Interest Developments (CIDs), more commonly known as “gated communities”, within the Canadian context. Comparing Canadian CIDs to their US counterparts. The author notes that Canadian developments are more likely to target seniors, tend to have fewer security features and are usually developed on a smaller scale. The author cautions that the proliferation of CIDs may have significant implications for local politics and Canadian cities. CID residents in the US are gaining political clout through well-organized homeowner associations, which constitute an effective lobbying force. Such associations are increasingly advocating measures such as tax rebates for their constituency, arguing for an end to what they call “double taxation” since CID residents pay both municipal taxes and monthly fees to the CID. The paper argues that CIDs are exclusionary by nature, fostering homogeneity in age, race, and income group, and that the proliferation of such development will lead to greater segregation in Canadian cities.