Toronto homeowners can now legally build apartment suites in their backyard
A new ruling has made it officially legal for Toronto residents to build backyard or garden suites as a form of housing.
Garden suites are a secondary structure built on the property of another home. The city says they are “generally” smaller than the main house on the lot, and are often created as a way to house relatives, or as rental units.
In Feb., Toronto City Council passed a bylaw that would allow for the structures to be built on resident’s property.
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
However, shortly after, the bylaw was appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) by a group of Toronto resident associations dubbed ‘Building Better Neighbourhoods.’
“In its appeal, the alliance argues the City clearly over-reached Provincial regulations that limit garden suites to single detached, semi-detached, and townhouses,” the group said in a statement issued on March 8.
But, on June 2, the OLT dismissed the appeal, rendering the form of housing legal.
“This is good news and it will help get some more housing built,” Toronto Mayor John Tory said in a statement included in the release.
“Allowing garden suites across Toronto is a key step forward in expanding housing choice within the City’s neighbourhoods and creating a more inclusive and resilient city for current and future residents.”
According to the release, those who want to build a garden suite, sometimes referred to as a coach house, will need to ensure it meets building code, such as maximum building height.
If so, residents will only need to apply for a building permit in order to go ahead with their build.
Conversely, any garden suit that doesn’t meet Zoning Bylaw requirements can seek a minor variance application through the Committee of Adjustment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.