Toronto is facing challenges in defining and regulating multiplexes, impacting efforts to increase 'missing middle' housing. Brendan Charters, a builder, highlights ambiguities in the city's current bylaw, which limits multiplexes to four units in low-rise zones, with a proposal to extend this to six units. City planning staff are suggesting new categories like 'detached houseplexes' and a cap on total bedrooms per multiplex to prevent them from becoming de facto rooming houses, which builders fear will hinder family-sized rental housing. Additionally, development charges and their inconsistent application create financial obstacles for builders attempting to combine multiplexes with garden or laneway suites.
Toronto wrangles with a simple question: What is a multiplex?
News
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Toronto is facing challenges in defining and regulating multiplexes, impacting efforts to increase 'missing middle' housing. Brendan Charters, a builder, highlights ambiguities in the city's current bylaw, which limits multiplexes to four units in low-rise zones, with a proposal to extend this to six units. City planning staff are suggesting new categories like 'detached houseplexes' and a cap on total bedrooms per multiplex to prevent them from becoming de facto rooming houses, which builders fear will hinder family-sized rental housing. Additionally, development charges and their inconsistent application create financial obstacles for builders attempting to combine multiplexes with garden or laneway suites.
Trending- 1 Almost two decades ago: Council began pushing for more two- and three-bedroom apartments.
- 2 Last summer: City planning officials analyzed the first 222 multiplex applications.
- 3 Next week (implied week of June 9, 2025): Council's planning and housing committee will consider stretching the multiplex definition and a staff proposal to cap bedrooms.
- Confusion and unpredictability for developers
- Potential hindrance to creating family-sized rental housing
- Financial burdens for builders due to inconsistent development charges
- Ongoing debate and policy adjustments regarding urban planning and housing density
What: The City of Toronto is struggling to clearly define and regulate multiplexes, leading to confusion for builders and potentially hindering the creation of 'missing middle' housing.
When: Article published June 5, 2025. Council's planning and housing committee to consider changes 'next week' (implied week of June 9, 2025). Analysis of first 222 applications done 'last summer'.
Where: Toronto.
Why: To clarify zoning bylaws, enable more diverse housing types ('missing middle'), prevent unintended rooming houses, and streamline the development process, while balancing density goals with community concerns.
How: City council is considering proposals to redefine multiplex unit limits and impose bedroom caps. Planning staff are proposing new categories and professional opinions for committees of adjustment. Builders are navigating ambiguous bylaws and inconsistent application of development charges.