Innovative Resource Launches to Transform Toronto's Housing Landscape

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A new online tool aims to simplify the process of converting single-family homes into multi-unit dwellings in Toronto, addressing the city's housing affordability crisis.

In 2021, Michael Piper faced a daunting realization: owning a home in Toronto was financially out of reach for his family, which he describes as "solid middle class." Despite their combined incomes, the competitive housing market proved too challenging. To navigate this hurdle, they turned to a creative solution. With assistance from Piper’s in-laws, they acquired a townhome in the east end and transformed it into a duplex. After the in-laws vacated, they converted the remaining unit into a rental. Currently, they are nearing completion on a triplex conversion, aimed at providing their university-aged daughter with her own living space. "We recognized that a home is not just a one-time purchase; it needs to adapt as life evolves, and the work is never truly finished," Piper reflects.
Piper serves as the director of urban design at the University of Toronto and is also a co-founder of ReHousing, a non-profit research initiative that emerged from a partnership between the university's Tuf Lab and LGA Architectural Partners. This initiative was inspired by Piper's personal housing journey and led to the launch of a free online resource in March designed to facilitate the conversion of single-family homes in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) into multi-unit residences, complete with cost estimates.
The platform operates through the Property Analysis Tool, where users can enter a GTA address to retrieve information such as lot size, building dimensions, and zoning classifications. Additionally, users can input details about the existing structure, including the number of stories and the presence of a basement or garage. This leads to potential configurations for multi-unit housing, followed by access to the Quick Cost Calculator, which provides a preliminary budget estimate and potential rental income projections.
Samantha Eby, ReHousing’s executive director, emphasizes the complexity of navigating zoning and building permits, stating, "Even for an architect like me, the process can be overwhelming without the proper knowledge and understanding of the required steps." The initiative aims to demystify this process, helping individuals feel more empowered in their housing development endeavors. Eby clarifies, "Our platform is not a substitute for professional advice; rather, it equips users with the knowledge to engage with professionals and understand feasible projects within their budget range."
Janna Levitt, another co-founder of ReHousing and a principal at LGA, has practical experience with innovative housing solutions. She played a key role in developing Ulster House, a five-unit condominium located on a standard single-family lot in Harbord Village. Levitt and her partner occupy one of the units while also generating rental income. She highlights the importance of allowing seniors to remain in their communities and cites the rise of multi-generational households as a significant trend.
The new tool aligns with Toronto's recent initiatives, such as Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON), which aim to relax regulations on low-rise residential properties. This comes at a time when discussions around multiplexes, gentle density, and the concept of the "missing middle" are gaining traction. Levitt states, "This resource is particularly valuable for seniors looking to stay in their neighborhoods, as well as for younger individuals who have built a connection to their local community and wish to remain there."
Currently available for addresses in the GTA, ReHousing plans to expand its service to Ottawa by the end of the year. Eby expresses enthusiasm about reaching more cities, stating, "We are eager to broaden participation in housing development discussions, and we hope to extend our outreach beyond Toronto."

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