Tune in to see Toronto City Council voting on the proposal to legalize sixplexes (buildings with up to six dwelling units) across the city.
What’s happening?
Toronto’s city planners are recommending a change to zoning rules that would allow homeowners to build up to six separate units in what are now detached houses across the city’s low-rise neighbourhoods. This means a single-family home could legally become a six-unit building, without needing extra permission, just standard a building approval.
The proposal builds on Toronto’s previous approval of citywide fourplexes, and aligns with commitments under the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, which encourages municipalities to increase “missing middle” housing supply quicker.
Why Now?
Housing shortage: Toronto needs more homes especially smaller, ground-level units that fit into established neighbourhoods. According to city staff, the proposal supports more housing options for families, seniors, young adults, and multigenerational households who are often priced out of traditional single-family areas. This plan follows earlier changes that allowed duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, laneway and garden suites
Making room: Allowing six-unit buildings helps meet population growth targets and supports funding streams from programs like the Housing Accelerator Fund.
What Would Change?
Zoning update: The city’s official rules and zoning laws would be updated to allow detached sixplexes (up to 6 units per building) on low-rise residential lots in single-family zones.
Building height: Homes could be built 0.5 metres taller (up to around 10.5 m) to accommodate better basement units with enough headroom and daylight
As-of-right zoning: Developers would no longer need individual zoning approvals for these builds
Toronto is on the brink of allowing six-unit homes in areas that were once only for single-family houses. This would simplify the construction process, boost housing numbers, and utilize existing neighbourhoods and infrastructure. Supporters see it as a balance between growth and livability, while critics fear it could change the character and dynamics of current communities.
Want to Buy or Convert a Multiplex in Toronto?
If you’re thinking about investing in Toronto’s missing middle and want to explore construction solutions for multiplex opportunities, book a free consultation with our experts today. We’ll help guide you through the whole design and build process with your budget in mind, so you can generate maximum asset equity and cash flow.
