City of Toronto Housing Goals

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The City of Toronto has been facing a housing challenge to meet the current/projected population needs for new homes, rentals, affordable, supportive and other forms of housing. Recently there have been announcements of billions in federal funding, incentives and a push to build more, faster including City-owned land, private development and repurposed condo units. It’s a bit of whack-a-mole and catch up as populations age out, immigration/student visas are capped and private investors and developers are changing tact from building investor-led condos units to purpose-built rentals.

Recent population data:

  • In 2025, Canada’s population slowed to 0.5 per cent – the slowest rate of growth in more than a century after 150 years of steady growth
  • This immediately followed the federal government’s decision in 2024 to reduce immigration levels
  • Among 20 selected high-income countries, Canada had the seventh-lowest fertility rate in 2025
  • Canada is also aging; the median age in Canada has gone from 26 in 1971 to over 40 in 2026.

The housing sector typically responds much more slowly to population levels due to the long cycle of financing, approvals, development and building.  Are we building the right things for the City’s future needs or playing catch-up on the past?

Before the City leaves a legacy disrupting established neighbourhoods, priority should be given to:

Public Lands for Homes Plan

Unlock government surplus, underused and vacant lands across the city.

Speeding up Purpose-Built Rental Approvals/Building

Among Canada’s six largest centres, the GTA ranks lowest on a per-capita basis for purpose-built rental construction relative to its massive population growth. Some of this is based on slow approvals but also economic feasibility is a factor.

Revisiting height restrictions along major Toronto commercial corridors

  • Increase density from mid-rise, especially near transit stations.
  • There’s an opportunity here to mandate façade uniformity (with interior plans untouched) to help create a unified appearance for the City, especially in key commercial corridors.

Provide Developer incentives to convert unsold Condos

  • It’s estimated there are over 5,000 unsold condos in the City of Toronto, with another 8,000+ under construction.
  • Provide incentives to condo developers to combine micro and and smaller studio apartment units into larger, more liveable units.

Expanding Home Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON)

Revert to:

  • As-of-Right for 1-Storey Garden Suites only.
  • 1 Storey Garden Suites more likely to solve for affordability and for use by seniors with no stairs or trip hazards.
  • Stealth Density First – Encourage “hidden density” with basement apartments first or Single Storey Garden Suites before disrupting established single family neighbourhoods.