Update on Multiplex Units in Low-Rise Neighbourhoods

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Dear HVV Residents

Subject: Multiplex Public Meeting for Etobicoke Residents 

This eblast is the result of the enormous effort of (new) HVVRA Director David Cox. Thanks David!

Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) is a City of Toronto initiative to provide options for more low-rise housing in residential neighbourhoods to meet the needs of our growing City. You are invited to participate in a Pubic Consultation meeting with Etobicoke Resident Association members on two KEY initiatives:

  1. 4-PLEX: On May 10, 2023, Toronto’s City Council approved an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment to permit multiplexes city-wide (2023.PH3.16). This means 4-plexes can be built on any/every existing residential lot in the City. City Staff are monitoring the implementation of 4-plexes.
  1. 6-PLEX: On February 5, 2025, Toronto’s City Council approved Scarborough’s “Ward 23 – Six-Unit Multiplex Pilot Study” and City staff are now reviewing the potential of increasing multiplex permissions to allow 6-plexes in detached houses city-wide, without changing building size permissions.

City staff will 1) present findings and seek feedback on the 4-plex monitoring program, and 2) provide insight into policy changes to increase the maximum number of permitted units in detached houses city-wide from four to six. The feedback received from this consultation will inform City staff’s recommendations to the City’s Planning and Housing Committee this year.

Meeting Details:
Monday, March 24 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Register online by Webex and advise the name of the Resident’s Association you belong to: https://toronto.webex.com/weblink/register/r101b535c335cac74ecfa48426b4c8788

Unfortunately, this is during work hours for many, but we understand there will be additional future opportunities to participate. If you are unable to participate in this meeting, you are free to contact City-staff with your comments and questions using the contact information provided below:

  • General EHON Email: EHON@toronto.ca
  • Multiplex Monitoring: Daniel Kolominsky, Planner, Community Planning, Development Review, Daniel.Kolominsky@toronto.ca 416-394-5462
  • City-wide Sixplex Study: Kasia Kmiec, Senior Planner, Zoning, City Planning Kasia.Kmiec@toronto.ca416-392-0674

More info on Multiplexes and the Ward 23 6-plex study:
More information is available on the Multiplex Study webpage. There is an informative article here: https://storeys.com/fiveplexes-sixplexes-scarborough-north/ and we’ve included three prospective site plans for the Ward 23 Multiplex Study below:

  1. 6-plex with 2 integrated parking spaces  

  1. 6-plex, with a driveway to allow for two parking spaces at the rear

  1. 6-plex, no parking

What do we know about potential 6-plexes?

  • A Sixplex uses the same built form as a Fourplex but with an additional floor. It is required to conform to the same existing performance standards as a Fourplex.
  • Sixplexes are primarily expected to provide rental housing.
  • Average unit size within a Sixplex will range from 540-750 sq ft
  • They will be subject to the same building setbacks as other residential building types in each residential zone.
  • Depending upon the lot width, the building width will vary accordingly.
  • Each unit will have its own entrance.
  • Two balconies or decks will be permitted per unit: one on the front and one on the rear of the building. Balconies and decks must be located on the second storey or above and cannot project beyond the maximum limits specified in the Zoning By-law.
  • They are not required to provide parking spaces on the property.

Sincerely
HVVRA Board of Directors
March 17, 2025