June 25, 2025
Posted by SVRA
SUMMARY
City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendments to Permit the Development of Townhouses in the Residential Apartment Commercial (RAC) Zone, Enable the Conversion of Underutilized Spaces within Existing Apartment Buildings into Dwelling Units, and Permit Cladding to Encroach into Building Setbacks. https://www.seatonvillage.ca/_files/ugd/9721d7_66fc698ad08b407d9b1068afe40c0383.pdf
BACKGROUND
On June 12th, 2025, the Planning and Housing Committee will consider six reports that advance housing options in neighbourhoods, along transit corridors and within existing apartment sites.
Expanding Permissions for Low-rise Sixplexes: This report recommends that five- and six-unit low-rise multiplexes be permitted across all residential neighbourhoods in the city. These permissions would apply to both new construction and conversions of existing detached houses, increasing flexibility and creating new opportunities for homeowners and homebuilders.
Multiplex Monitoring Program This report confirms that multiplex construction is growing and proposes additional changes to the City’s zoning bylaws to further facilitate and simplify the construction of multiplexes across Toronto.
Neighbourhood Intensification Bulletin: This research report estimates how much housing could potentially be added across Toronto as a result of the City’s Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods planning initiatives including laneway suites, garden suites, multiplexes and housing along major streets. It is estimated that these initiatives could create up to 54,600 homes by 2031, and up to 163,785 homes by 2051.
Avenues Policy Review (Phase Two): This report outlines the approach to enabling more mid-rise buildings (typically six to 11 storeys) on key transit corridors across the city. This supports the creation of housing near transit, shops and services to form complete communities.
Apartment Infill Study : This report recommends citywide zoning changes to allow new infill housing and the conversion of underused space to new housing on existing apartment tower sites. These changes could apply to 5,000 existing apartment sites across Toronto, creating opportunities to add housing while maintaining existing rental stock.
A separate report on the Development Pipeline 2024 provides a snapshot of development activity from 2020 to 2024 including where and how much new housing is being built across Toronto.
More information on the staff recommendations is available on the City’s Planning and Housing Committee agenda webpage . Launching Summer Consultations on the Neighbourhood and Retail Study.
The City Planning Division is launching summer consultations on the EHON Neighbourhood Retail & Services Study , with city-wide online meetings in the evening of Wednesday June 18th from 6-8pm and on Thursday June 19th from 1-3pm. Staff will present an overview of the proposed amendments that would make it easier to open small-scale retail, service and office uses in low-rise residential areas across Toronto.
For more information on the study and to stay updated on consultation events, visit: Toronto.ca/localretail