Mississauga Launches Incentives to Boost Housing Supply on National Housing Day
Mississauga, Ontario – Mississauga marked National Housing Day by unveiling new initiatives to address the growing housing crisis in the city and across the Greater Toronto Area. These measures are designed to increase housing supply and affordability by empowering homeowners to add residential units on their properties, contributing to a broader strategy of promoting “gentle density.”
The City announced financial incentives for homeowners to reduce the costs of building additional residential units (ARUs) and fourplexes, along with expanded access to pre-approved garden suite plans. These efforts aim to tackle affordability, streamline housing approvals, and meet the rising demand for homes.
Incentives to Build Additional Residential Units and Fourplexes
The City will now waive building permit fees for homeowners creating or legalizing ARUs, such as basement apartments, garage conversions, and garden suites. Fourplexes are also eligible for incentives, with waivers on development charges and parkland fees for the fourth unit, as well as grants to cover building permit costs.
“These incentives significantly lower the upfront costs for homeowners,” the City said in a statement. “This approach increases housing options in Mississauga’s neighborhoods while addressing affordability in a sustainable and thoughtful way.”
Sharing Garden Suite Plans Across Ontario
In a move to support housing solutions beyond Mississauga, the City announced that its free, pre-approved garden suite plans will now be available to all municipalities in Ontario. This initiative allows other cities to adopt Mississauga’s streamlined approach, which helps homeowners work with licensed builders more efficiently.
Garden suites, which are small, self-contained units typically built in backyards, have proven popular as housing for extended family or as rental units. Since the City introduced its pre-approved plans in June 2024, seven garden suites have received permits.
Progress on Housing Growth and Gentle Density
Since updating its Official Plan and zoning rules in late 2023 to allow up to two additional residential units or fourplexes on single lots, Mississauga has issued permits for more than 715 ARUs and received applications for four fourplexes. These developments align with the City’s commitment to increasing “missing middle” housing options within existing neighborhoods.
The incentives are part of Mississauga’s $44 million Community Improvement Plan (CIP) approved in July 2024, which provides grants for homeowners and developers building affordable rental units. This plan complements the City’s Growing Mississauga: An Action Plan for New Housing, which outlines steps to increase housing supply and simplify approvals.
Leadership in Tackling the Housing Crisis
Mayor Carolyn Parrish highlighted the importance of innovative solutions on National Housing Day. “Housing plays a critical role in building strong, healthy, and connected communities. That’s why we’re putting on a full-court press to produce innovative solutions,” Parrish stated. She also noted the City’s Housing Task Force, which includes 30 top GTA developers, as a key component in addressing the crisis.
Mississauga’s approach to gentle density aims to revitalize communities, create inclusive spaces, and ensure future generations have access to safe, affordable housing. For more information, visit the City’s Growing Mississauga website.
