City Council to consider expansion of five and six-plexes across Toronto

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In an attempt to help deliver on the provincial target of 285,000 new homes in Toronto by 2031, city staff have proposed various recommendations to increase housing options, including expanding permissions for five- and six-unit lowrise multiplexes across all residential neighbourhoods in the city.

The proposed actions will be considered by the Planning and Housing Committee on June 12.

The city says this action would apply to both new construction and conversions of existing detached houses, increasing flexibility and creating new opportunities for homeowners and homebuilders.

“These recommendations are based on in-depth research and data and illustrate the range of housing opportunities that could be available to Torontonians in the years ahead,” Councillor Gord Perks (Parkdale-High Park), Chair, Planning and Housing Committee, said in a statement.

“The proposed zoning bylaw amendments can help unlock many more homes, but also enable more vibrant, thriving neighbourhoods for current and future residents across the city.”

In particular, the recommendations to expand lowrise six-plexes and permit apartment infill developments across Toronto fulfill commitments made by the City under the $471.1 million agreement with the Government of Canada through the Housing Accelerator Fund.

“The City of Toronto is using the tools available to us to update planning rules and make it easier to build housing in more places citywide,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said in a statement.

“In the midst of an urgent housing crisis, these changes will help accelerate the construction of new homes and support complete communities across Toronto.”