Mississauga Seeks Community Input on Expanding Housing Options Through Zoning Changes

November 5, 2024 Danielle Larmond 0 Comments 2 min read

MISSISSAUGA – The City of Mississauga is taking steps to address a growing demand for diverse housing options as part of a strategic effort to make the city more accessible for families, older adults, students, and future generations. The city’s current housing landscape, characterized by spacious lots often occupied by only one or two residents, is at odds with a population that is in need of affordable and varied housing. Despite Mississauga’s overall need for more homes, some neighborhoods have experienced declining populations.

In response, Mississauga is revisiting its Zoning By-law, which dictates the types of residential buildings permitted in various parts of the city. Officials are exploring updates to encourage “gentle density” — a measured increase in housing capacity that could take the form of more semi-detached and smaller detached homes.

Proposed Changes and Community Engagement

The city has announced three virtual community meetings to gather feedback on potential zoning revisions. These updates could allow more semi-detached homes and adjust lot requirements to accommodate smaller, detached houses. The goal is to simplify zoning rules while expanding the range of low-rise housing options available to residents.

Key proposed changes include:

Permitting the construction of semi-detached homes in neighborhoods where only detached houses are currently allowed.
Revising lot size requirements to enable the development of smaller detached homes.
Streamlining the classification of single-detached zones in the city’s Zoning By-law to offer more flexibility.

Community members are invited to participate in the discussions during the following virtual sessions:

Northern Mississauga (Wards 5, 9, 10, 11): Thursday, November 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Central Mississauga (Wards 3, 4, 6, 7): Thursday, November 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Southern Mississauga (Wards 1, 2, 8): Thursday, November 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Residents can attend the session most relevant to their area but are also welcome to join any meeting that suits their schedule. The City’s “Find My Ward” map is available for those unsure of their ward.

Ongoing Housing Initiatives

The neighborhood zoning review is part of the broader “Increasing Housing Choices in Neighbourhoods” (IHCN) project, which has been active since 2021. As part of the IHCN, Mississauga has already eased restrictions on additional residential units, such as garden suites, garage conversions, laneway suites, and fourplexes.

These initiatives build on the city’s 2017 “Making Room for the Middle” strategy, one of the first Canadian municipal efforts aimed at addressing housing needs for middle-income earners. By updating zoning regulations and encouraging creative housing solutions, Mississauga City Council aims to tackle the ongoing housing crisis while promoting sustainable growth and affordability.

For those unable to attend the community meetings, recorded presentations will be made available on the IHCN project website. The city is welcoming questions and comments throughout the process.

Background Information Mississauga’s City Council has long prioritized expanding housing options to accommodate a growing and diverse population. The Housing Action Plan highlights increasing housing supply, streamlining approvals, and enhancing affordability as critical areas of focus. For additional details on planning and development efforts, residents are encouraged to visit the “Growing Mississauga” and “Guide to Planning and Development” sections on the city’s website.

SOURCE City of Mississauga