Project Seeks to Scale "Missing Little" Housing

The Ontario government is changing exclusionary zoning, and many municipalities, including Toronto, are rolling out programs specific to adding units to single-family properties such as multiplexes and backyard or laneway suites. But will these programs lead to significant housing supply? Will any of these homes be affordable?

Sparking a "Renovation Revolution"

From February 6 to 9, 2023, University of Toronto’s School of Cities, City Building TMU and ULI Toronto presented a four-part webinar “how-to” with industry experts designed to spark a renovation revolution across our neighbourhoods and ensure Missing Middle housing gains are affordable and equitable, starting at the smallest scale – single-family properties – the “Missing Little.” The sessions took a step by step approach to tackling barriers to this new housing supply, and included:

• The “Missing Little” — A Renovation Revolution! Plus Introduction to the Series
  
• Busting through the Barriers to the “Missing Little”
• Uptake versus Affordability: What’s in it for the Homeowner?
• This Renovation Revolution Includes Equity

Watch the Video Recordings

These video recordings are also available on the Affordable Missing Middle website (external link) .

Collaboration

The webinar series and report are presented as part of A Charter for Affordable and Equitable Gentle Urban Density, a collaboration between University of Toronto’s School of Cities and City Building TMU. Learn more about this campaign to target affordability and equity in Missing Middle housing supply at affordablemissingmiddle.ca (external link) .

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank all the participating speakers and contributors to this project:

Stewart Dutfield, Senior Project Manager, Environment and Climate Division, City of Toronto; Kira Gerwing, Chief Real Estate Investment Officer, Sacha Investments Ltd.; Kfir Gluzberg, Architect, Kilogram Studio; Marcel Greaux, Founder, Ownablii; Gracen Johnson, Senior Specialist, Innovation and Research, CMHC; Chazandra Kern, Founder, Office of Office; Janna Levitt, Founding Partner, LGA Architectural Partners; Paul Lewkowicz, Principal Planner, Housing Policy, Region of Peel; Leith Moore, Co-Founder, R-Hauz Solutions; Denise Pinkston, Partner, TMG Partners, and Founder, The Casita Coalition; Bindu Shah, Strategic Lead, Planning, Town of Caledon; Jacob Sofer, Co-founder and CEO, Metrosuite; Eli Spevak, Owner, Orange Splot LLC; Sherry Taylor, Interim Executive Director, Durham Community Land Trustees; Rohan Walters, Principal Designer, Spaces by Rohan Inc.

Presenting partners and discussion moderators:

Cherise Burda, City Building TMU; Cheryll Case, CP Planning; Karen Chapple, School of Cities; Richard Joy, ULI Toronto; Michael Piper, John H. Daniels Faculty, University of Toronto.