April 29, 2021
The City of Mississauga is undertaking a new study exploring ways to increase housing options in residential neighbourhoods. The study is looking at options that have the potential to improve housing affordability while providing a broader range of housing choices for Mississauga residents across different life stages.
The study supports the implementation of recent changes to the Planning Act which require municipalities to increase housing diversity by permitting up to two additional residential units such as garden suites or garage conversions on lots with a single detached, semi-detached or rowhouse. It will also ensure City policies are aligned with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 which encourages municipalities to permit a range and mix of housing types such as duplexes and triplexes, and arrangements such as co-ownership and home shares.
The study also moves forward key recommendations from the City’s housing strategy – Making Room for the Middle. The strategy, which was approved by Council in 2017, concluded that the range of housing for middle income earners – such as teachers, nurses and social workers – is dwindling. It supports finding ways to remove barriers to affordable housing.
As the study proceeds, staff will be exploring housing opportunities that are the best fit for Mississauga neighbourhoods while balancing a number of priorities including affordability, appropriate development scale, adequate servicing and parking.
There will also be opportunities for the community to learn more about the various housing types and arrangements being explored. Community members will be encouraged to provide input and feedback on both the opportunities and challenges associated with gentle intensification in Mississauga’s neighbourhoods. Community engagement sessions are planned for the spring and fall.
The study, which is expected to be complete by the end of the year, will result in recommended changes to Mississauga’s Official Plan and considerations for implementing zoning to provide more housing choices across the City.
The work plan for the Increasing Housing Choices in Mississauga’s Neighbourhoods study was received by the City’s Planning and Development Committee on April 19, 2021 and will go to Council for endorsement on May 5, 2021.
To learn more about the study, please visit the Have Your Say: Increasing Housing Choices in Neighbourhoods webpage.
Background
The City’s Official Plan provides policies that guide and direct the physical change of the city. It manages the effects on Mississauga’s social, economic, cultural and natural environment. The City launched the Official Plan Review at a Special Council meeting held on June 10, 2019. For more information and to sign up for email updates, visit the Official Plan Review public engagement page.
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