Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods: Toronto Initiative

"Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods" is a comprehensive initiative aimed at diversifying housing options within local communities. This strategy addresses the growing need for affordable housing and seeks to promote inclusivity and accessibility in urban and suburban areas. 

Here's a breakdown of its key components:

1. Affordable Housing Initiatives: The plan includes various programs and incentives to encourage the development of affordable housing units. This can involve partnerships with developers, financial incentives, or regulatory measures to ensure a portion of new housing projects are affordable to low and moderate-income families.

1. Zoning and Land Use Policies: The initiative examines existing zoning regulations and land use policies to identify barriers to diverse housing options. It involves rezoning certain areas to allow for a mix of housing types, such as single-family homes, townhouses, duplexes, and apartment buildings, thereby increasing housing density and affordability.

1. Density Bonuses and Incentives: Offering developers bonuses or incentives such as increased density allowances, expedited permitting, or tax breaks in exchange for including affordable housing units or other community benefits.

1. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): One approach involves promoting the construction of ADUs which are secondary housing units located on the same property as a primary residence. By relaxing regulations and streamlining the permitting process for ADUs, homeowners are encouraged to create additional rental units or accommodate extended family members, contributing to housing affordability and density.

1. Preservation of Existing Housing Stock: Implementing strategies to preserve existing affordable housing stock, such as rent control measures, rehabilitation programs, or acquisition by non-profit organizations.

1. Inclusionary Zoning: Inclusionary zoning mandates or incentives are implemented to require or encourage developers to include affordable housing units within market-rate housing developments. This ensures that new housing projects contribute to the overall affordability of the neighborhood and provide opportunities for a diverse range of residents to live in desirable areas.

1. Community Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration: The success of the initiative relies on active engagement with community members, local government officials, developers, and housing advocates. This includes town hall meetings, surveys, and workshops. By soliciting feedback, fostering dialogue, and building consensus, the initiative can address concerns, leverage resources, and generate support for policy changes and development projects.

1. Infrastructure and Transportation: Expanding housing options must consider the impact on infrastructure and transportation systems. Planning efforts focus on improving access to public transportation, enhancing walkability and bikeability, and investing in infrastructure upgrades to support increased housing density without compromising quality of life. By integrating housing development with transportation and infrastructure planning it ensures access to public transportation, schools, parks, and other amenities. 

1. Equity and Social Justice: The initiative prioritizes equity and social justice by addressing historical inequities in housing policy and ensuring that all residents, regardless of income or background, have access to safe, affordable housing options. This involves targeted investments in underserved communities, anti-displacement measures, and efforts to combat housing discrimination.

Decision History

• July 19th 2019: Expanding Housing Options in Toronto- Tackling the Missing Middle and the ‘Yellowbelt’ - by Mayor John Tory, seconded by Councillor Ana Bailão

• July 28th 2020: Expanding Housing Options in Neighborhoods

• Feb 15th 2022: Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods - Update Report

• July 19th 2022: Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods - Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study Final Report Phase One

• May 10th 2023:Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods: Multiplex Study - Final Report 

• Sept 28th 2023: Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods: Major Streets Study - Proposals Report

• Nov 8th 2023:  Review of Zoning Regulations for Outdoor Patios on Private Property

• May 9th 2024: Agenda Item History - 2024.PH12.4 (toronto.ca)
  

Overall, Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods is a multifaceted approach to addressing the housing affordability crisis and is creating more inclusive, vibrant communities, where people of all backgrounds can thrive. 

By implementing a combination of policy reforms, community engagement strategies, and targeted investments, the initiative aims to foster sustainable growth and opportunity for residents across the socioeconomic spectrum.