City council voted 21-3 last week to officially allow developers to erect buildings of up to six storeys and 60 units on specific major roads without having to apply for rezoning applications or minor variance. Seeking those permissions added cost and time to projects, making some developments unfeasible.

 City staff said erasing those requirements will unlock development on more than 31,000 lots across Toronto. Staff originally proposed allowing up to 30-unit apartments but agreed with council recommendation to double the limit to make more developments financially viable. 

While the city doesn’t have a formal definition of what qualifies as a “major street” spokesperson Christy Abraham said they are key corridors connecting different parts of Toronto and lined with diverse businesses, employment areas, parks, schools and residential areas. 

“These streets serve as the backbone of Toronto’s transportation network, provide opportunities for gradual intensification, and are able to support diverse housing options,” Abraham said. 

Some suburban councillors tried to exempt some streets from the change, arguing density would overwhelm neighbourhoods dominated by single-family homes. They were all outvoted as Mayor Olivia Chow and housing chair Coun. Gord Perks said all parts of the city must help end the crisis that has made renting and buying too expensive for many Torontonians.

“By building this way we’re saying ‘Yes’ to more neighbours, we are saying ‘Yes’ to newcomer families … that’s how we can build more than homes,” Chow said. “We are building dreams because we are building hope. If we don’t do that it’s very difficult for people to be able to stay in Toronto.”

 It’s the latest in a series of policy changes aimed at forcing more and different options in neighbourhoods long dominated by single-family homes. Council has greenlighted new housing forms like laneway and garden suites, and last year approved permission to build multiplexes citywide.