Has "not in my backyard" become Calgary's unofficial slogan?

The cry "not in my backyard" has been heard in this city over many topics. From secondary suites to skateparks to special needs schools and even bottle depots, objections have arisen on projects both public and personal.

Having even spawned its own Twitter handle, Calgary's long-running history of NIMBYism has seen residents object to special needs schools on the basis that they would lower property values, social housing based on an increase in population density and skateboard parks based on the "racket" created by budding Tony Hawks.

For those tasked with moving projects forward in the face of such criticism, it can be a delicate balance.

"Obviously there is NIMBYism in Calgary, as there is in every city. Whether or not there's more, I don't know," said RESOLVE spokeswoman Amy Hurst.

Through collaboration with Calgarians, the City has decided on eight sites to construct new skateparks as part of the Skateboard Amenities Strategy.

Chinook Park Kelvin Grove/Eagle Ridge, Huntington Hills and Southwood will see a skatepark built within a year.

"We have been working closely with the Calgary Association of Skateboard Enthusiasts, or CASE, for many years developing the Skateboard Amenities Strategy and earlier this year we held open houses to gather feedback from skateboard enthusiasts and the general public," said Greg Steinraths, manager of Sport and Partnership Development, Recreation.