In a move no-one saw coming (*insert sarcasm), a group of seven residents associations in Toronto appeal a new bylaw that would allow for the building of garden suites. On February 2nd, the city amended a zoning bylaw that expanded permissions to allow residents to build these additional homes on their properties. Since the bylaw is not yet in effect, this appeal means that there will certainly be delays.
For those who have not been following along, here is a quick recap. A garden suite is a detached home typically built in the backyard of an existing house. While they are designed for additional housing options, they will most likely be used as extended generational housing or as rental units.
The group appealing the bylaw says that they’re not against garden suites, but feel that the current guidelines are ambiguous. They believe that a “one-size-fits-all” approach does not adequately protect green space in their community. Building Better Neighbourhoods, an organization representing multiple residents organizations, has submitted the appeal of the bylaw, stating it should adjusted to better reflect the needs for different neighbourhoods.
According to the Province, municipalities are responsible for implementing the additional residential units provisions included in the Planning Act. Representatives for the city state that they engaged in “considerable consultation” with several Residents Associations. Yet those who are appealing feel as though their suggestions were not at all incorporated into the amended bylaw.
So where does this appeal leave garden suites?
If a resolution is not met, the appeal will prolong bringing garden suites to the market.
It was inevitable that the roll out of garden suites would face some hurdles. Unlike laneway homes that were proposed for urban populations, garden suites will be primarily in suburban areas. This a sharp contrast to a lifestyle that these communities are accustomed to. For the last 40 plus years, these neighbourhoods have enjoyed large yards and a surplus of green space. Getting these groups on board will involve both considering their amendments and that their rollout is not destabilizing. The population of the GTA is growing, our borders are not. Garden suites are a great opportunity when it comes to housing aging parents and keeping families together. Garden Suites will undoubtedly benefit communities. But in order for us to get there, their implementation must to be thoughtful and respectful of the neighbourhoods in which they are built.
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