Public invited to comment on garden suite and zoning amendments at Toronto City Hall meeting

By MATTHEW STEPHENS

Toronto city staff will host a public meeting at city hall on July 15 to present proposed Official Plan and zoning bylaw amendments that would enable garden suites and align with recent provincial regulatory changes.

Part of the city’s Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) initiative, the meeting will cover specific details of the proposed zoning bylaw amendment changes, which include changes to minimum separation distances, height, setbacks, provisions for second-storey massing, floor area, lot coverage, clarifications regarding additions to lawfully existing buildings, and minor technical amendments to clarify regulations for structures with openings.

EHON aims to increase the availability of low-rise, “missing middle” housing—such as multiplexes and small apartment buildings—in established neighbourhoods.

Actions include amending zoning by-laws to permit multiplexes on major streets, exploring options to increase density in targeted areas, and reviewing height and design standards to ensure new developments fit within neighbourhood context.

The proposed amendments would align zoning bylaws with Ontario regulations regarding minimum separation distances, lot coverage, angular planes, floor space index, and applicability to more than three units.

During the meeting, the planning and housing committee will receive input and review the proposal.

Members of the public are invited to address the planning and housing committee in person, by video conference or by telephone.

To attend the meeting and address the committee directly, register by email at phc@toronto.ca or by phone at 416-397-4579, no later than 12 p.m. on July 14,2025. After registration, city staff will contact attendees with instructions on how to participate in the meeting.

Note that the planning and housing committee may request that attendees file an outline of their presentation with the clerk.

Detailed background information and material regarding the proposed amendments can be found by contacting Planner Michael Romero by email at Michael.Romero@toronto.ca 

If attendees need special accommodations, call 416-397-4579, or email phc@toronto.ca