Photo credit: Daily Commercial News
Torontonians may be in for some big changes.
Toronto Today reports that Mayor Olivia Chow and Ontario Housing Minister have unveiled a new housing regime which they said will “transform the city” and open the door to building far more homes.
There was also an update to the city’s official plan related to adding density near public transport hubs, including clearing the way for towers up to 30-storeys high “as of right” on certain plots of land.
After years of debate, the city and province are setting a new baseline. Much taller buildings will be allowed automatically.
However, there is more to the program, such as expanded multiplex construction in the neighbourhood and affordable housing reform.
The new housing rules don’t just apply to areas immediately along the TTC’s subway or LRT lines. They also extend into neighbourhoods that until now were mostly limited to low-density housing.
Major transit station areas (MTSAs) can generally be thought of as a circle with an 800-metre radius with a subway, LRT or GO train station at the centre.
The new rules also bolster the city’s ability to compel developers to build affordable housing for those who can’t afford Toronto’s sky-high market-rate rents or home prices
