What’s The Vote About?
Toronto City Council votes to allow more townhouses and six-story residential buildings on major streets in the residential areas of the city. The law came into effect with a 21-3 vote. The plan titled Major Streets seeks to improve the zoning bylaws currently in place. In case you weren’t aware, zoning bylaws govern the density creation across the city.
What Does It Mean?
Before the amendment, townhomes and small residential buildings could only be built in certain areas of the city. Now, such structures can be built on specific streets without the need for rezoning applications. The buildings can rise up to 6 stories tall and contain up to 60 units. As per an estimate, the amendment might very well have unlocked space on some 31,000 lots.
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board’s Statement
Supporting the changes in zoning bylaws, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) issued a statement prior to the vote. The statement reads, “The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) is leading the way in calling for more as-of-right zoning in our City… This approach encourages more gentle density in existing communities and makes it easier for developers to build family-friendly homes. The proposal before the City Council will upzone major streets put more homes closer to transit, and enable builders to create more multi-family housing.”
The report further states, “By expanding permissions for this type of housing across the city, additional housing can be developed to expand the range of ground-related/low-rise housing options to support those who cannot afford a detached or semi-detached home, but who will contribute to the stability of neighborhoods and benefit from the access to these stable environments in support of families and young Torontonians that want to set down roots across the city.”