Toronto's New Plan to Build Sixplexes: A Bold Step Towards Affordable Housing

As Toronto continues to grow, so does the demand for housing. With limited space in the city’s core and sky-high real estate prices, finding a way to increase the housing supply without compromising the character of existing neighborhoods is a challenge. Enter Toronto's ambitious new plan: the construction of sixplex residential buildings in central streets and avenues. This initiative is part of the city's strategy to address its ongoing housing crisis and create more sustainable, livable communities.

Let’s break down what the plan is all about and how it could reshape the city’s housing landscape. 

 What Are 6-Plex Residential Buildings?

A 6-plex is simply a building that houses six separate residential units—typically a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and possibly even larger units. These buildings are designed to be low to mid-rise (usually about 3 stories), making them a perfect fit for urban areas where the goal is to increase density without towering skyscrapers. It’s a delicate balance between providing more living space and maintaining the charm and character of existing neighborhoods.

The idea is simple: more units, in the right places, to meet the growing demand for housing in Toronto.

 Why 6-Plexes?

Toronto’s housing affordability crisis has reached a tipping point. The city is quickly running out of land for single-family homes, and the cost of renting or owning a property in popular areas is out of reach for many residents. At the same time, there’s limited room to build large, high-rise apartment buildings in central locations.

By allowing 6-plexes in certain central streets and avenues, Toronto is aiming to increase housing supply in high-demand neighborhoods without the need for drastic changes to the city’s skyline. These units would be located in areas that are already well-served by public transit, close to services and amenities, and within walking distance of parks, schools, and shops. In other words, the focus is on smart growth—making the most of the city’s existing infrastructure.

 The Zoning Shift: A Step Towards Flexibility

To make this plan a reality, Toronto is changing zoning laws and updating building codes to allow for more flexibility in how residential buildings are developed. This means property owners and developers can move forward with building 6-plexes without needing to go through a lengthy approval process or apply for zoning variances.

This shift is designed to:

• Streamline the development process for smaller, medium-density buildings in urban areas.

• Support the growth of vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods with a variety of housing options.

• Create more affordable options for people looking to rent or buy in central areas of Toronto.

 Central Streets and Avenues: Where Will These 6-Plexes Go?

The plan focuses on central streets and avenues—areas that are already well-connected by public transit and have a high demand for housing. Think downtown, the Annex, Kensington Market, and neighborhoods along key transit corridors like the Yonge-University subway line.

These are the places where many people want to live because of their proximity to jobs, culture, and amenities. But because of the lack of available housing, prices are skyrocketing, and many are being pushed further out of the city center. By increasing density in these central areas, Toronto hopes to create more housing options while keeping residents close to the things that make the city vibrant.

 How Does This Benefit Toronto?

The benefits of 6-plexes are clear, both for current residents and those looking to move to Toronto:

• More Housing, Less Sprawl: Increasing density in the city’s urban core means less suburban sprawl, which is better for the environment and keeps the city more walkable and transit-friendly.

• Affordable Housing Options: By adding smaller, more affordable units, Toronto hopes to offer more options for people who can’t afford single-family homes or luxury condos but still want to live in the city center.

• Better Use of Existing Infrastructure: Central areas already have the necessary infrastructure—transit, roads, schools, parks—so it makes sense to build more housing in these locations rather than pushing development to the outskirts.

• Sustainability: Compact developments reduce the need for cars and encourage walking, biking, and public transportation, helping to reduce the city’s overall carbon footprint.

 What’s the Catch?

Of course, every good plan has its challenges.

• Community Resistance: Some residents may be opposed to increasing density in their neighborhoods, especially if they fear that these new developments will overcrowd streets, change the character of the area, or impact property values. There may be concerns about the aesthetic quality of these new buildings as well.

• Design Matters: The success of the 6-plex plan depends heavily on design quality. Developers will need to ensure that new buildings are well-designed, respecting the scale and architectural style of the neighborhood. Poor design could lead to undesirable outcomes, like overshadowing or loss of privacy for existing homeowners.

• Affordability Gaps: While the plan will create more housing, there’s no guarantee that these units will be affordable for low-income residents. The market-driven nature of many of these developments means that, while they’ll be cheaper than single-family homes or large condos, they might still be out of reach for many.

 Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

The plan for 6-plexes is part of a larger, long-term strategy to address Toronto’s housing affordability and supply challenges. The city has already started to roll out measures like inclusionary zoning, which requires a portion of new developments to include affordable units, and other incentives to promote more affordable housing options.

Over time, the city will continue to monitor the success of the 6-plex initiative and make adjustments as needed. Whether this model can truly provide affordable housing for all remains to be seen, but it’s a step in the right direction.

 Conclusion

Toronto's plan to allow the construction of 6-plexes in central neighborhoods represents a smart, sustainable solution to the city’s housing crisis. By focusing on medium-density buildings that fit into existing urban areas, the city hopes to provide more housing options without compromising on quality of life. It’s an ambitious, forward-thinking approach that could have a lasting impact on Toronto’s urban landscape—if done right.

As the city continues to grow, the challenge will be balancing the need for more housing with the desire to maintain the unique character and livability of Toronto’s neighborhoods. The 6-plexes may be just the beginning of a broader movement towards more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable urban living.