Ontario Construction News staff writer
In a bid to expand the city’s housing stock and tackle the ever-worsening housing crisis, Mississauga city council has approved a motion that will allow residents to build fourplexes on low-rise residential lots.
The motion, which was moved by Mayor Bonnie Crombie, will permit developers to build fourplexes “as of right” on residential properties, which essentially means that applicants can apply for a building permit provided that the property meets the requirements outlined in the city’s bylaws.
According to the city, the aim of the policy change is to help create more affordable rental options for families, older adults, and young people in the city. “The scale and urgency of the housing crisis requires that we take bold steps to get more housing built and do what we can to make it more affordable,” Crombie said in a statement last Thursday (Dec. 7).
“As we continue to grow, we want the right mix of housing for our city. Allowing fourplexes in our neighbourhoods will help create more affordable rental options for multigenerational families, older adults and young people who want to build a future in Mississauga.” In addition to allowing developers to build new fourplexes, the policy also seeks to support the conversion of existing properties into fourplexes.
The new regulations will allow for a variety of fourplex configurations, including those with a partially above-grade basement unit, and will support the creation of rental units in neighbourhoods.
Mississauga’s move to permit fourplexes on low-rise residential lots is part of the city’s housing plan, which aims to help the city meet its housing targets, including the provincial government’s directive to build 120,000 new homes by 2028.