How important is having a backyard? We asked Globe readers – those with backyards and those living in cities without one – to weigh in on the role that access to private and public green space plays on their happiness and well-being.
Urban backyards are disappearing. Can we be happy without them?
While [governments] will be pushing for all the growth, I hope they take a moment to consider what it means to have a home, and not just “housing.” Policies should promote and protect green spaces right alongside housing. The two go hand-in-hand. - Harmony Huffman, Duncan, B.C.
Looking back, I have spent countless hours cutting, trimming, raking, weeding, watering, fertilizing, aerating, dethatching, applying pesticide and top dressing my lawns. Today, I don’t own a single blade of grass! What was I thinking?!!! - Robert Gates, raised in Scarborough and Pickering, Ont.
People are supposed to be grateful for little boxes in the sky – our expectations are being collectively lowered by the relentless drive for density in cities. Demand your own piece of paradise – your own backyard. Make our governments give us better options other than 400 sq. ft of concrete in the sky cut off from nature. Or is it only the richest 1 per cent who will have backyards to play in while the rest of us make do with tiny, overpriced, concrete boxes with scarce access to green space in ever-warming cities? - Mary-Lou Rossiter, Halifax, N.S.
People spend an extraordinary amount of time, labour and chemicals to keep their lawns green yet do not use them. It would be better as a society if we expanded green spaces for all to use. - Craig Perry, North Bay, Ont.
My backyard is my oasis in the middle of a large city. The birds and animals that I share my trees and yard with serve to maintain my connection with nature and remind me that I am NOT just another cog in the machine. - Ron Baugh, Red Deer, Alta.
I grew up in a small city in rural Alberta and my family home was a single-detached house with a large wraparound backyard. I have fond memories of my parents hosting BBQs and birthday parties a couple times a year. I have since moved to a larger city in B.C. and live in an apartment building with no backyard. However, my apartment has a waterfront green space open for public use. My partner and I often go down to this green space, which provides a great opportunity to meet our neighbours. I loved my backyard growing up, but if the choice is to provide housing for others or have a private green space, I would choose the former. - Sarah Greer, Victoria, B.C.
I live in central Montreal, where many of the apartment plexes don’t have a backyard. It’s common to have three or four birthday parties in the public parks when the weather is nice. Giving up a private backyard isn’t a huge sacrifice, as long as we can have access to good shared green space – it’s probably well worth it to live in an animated and walkable community - Mara Bender, Montreal
I have a backyard. I recognize that I’m very fortunate. In truth, my husband and I use it less than I thought I would. I have a vegetable garden – enough to grow all the tomatoes we eat, including canning for the winter, which I love. And once we fenced part of the yard a few years ago, we appreciate being able to let the dog out for a quick off-leash bathroom break. But, honestly, we don’t need it. We do have a lovely green space across the street, and a dog park nearby, and THOSE I wouldn’t do without! I’d be happy to see fewer homes with yards and everyone having access to a bit of outdoors on a porch/balcony, with more parks of various kinds. - Elizabeth d’Anjou, Picton, Ont.
We have been condo dwellers in the heart of downtown Toronto for decades. You REALLY need to love your neighbours if you want to relax outside in public green space in Toronto these days. I have total envy for anyone with a yard, even a postage stamp would feel like an oasis. - Marc Gignac, Toronto
I live in a downtown neighbourhood and my yard is more important to me than my house. I think almost everyone needs a little patch of outdoor space, it fills their soul. - Michelle Purchase, Kitchener, Ont.
I am a Canadian who has been living in Switzerland for 12 years. We bought an apartment soon after moving here (houses were prohibitively expensive). I love apartment living and have abandoned the idea of ever buying a house. I think Canadians have a lot to learn from the Swiss, where 60 per cent of the population rents and even more live in apartments. Ours is surrounded by a very large communal backyard, which is also the norm. We had two young children when we moved in, and initially had to accompany them to play in the backyard, but those years didn’t last long. We have a trampoline and other play equipment in the yard, yet we don’t have to do any of the maintenance or yard work. We travel regularly without worrying about home upkeep. Additionally, Swiss towns generally have a forest “refuge” that locals can rent cheaply by the day. We’ve hosted and attended many a party in those as well. - Jan Sandink, Lausanne, Switzerland
We use our outdoor spaces extensively. It is a place to relax and reflect; a very important part of our lives beyond a residence. A lonely 500 sq. ft box in the sky is not the answer to a healthy mindset. - Alexander Tye, Calgary
Submissions have been edited for length and clarity.