GTA Construction News staff writer
Ontario’s housing minister says the province has approved amendments to Toronto’s official plan that would allow for taller and denser buildings near 120 transit stations, creating the potential for more than 1.5 million new homes over the next 25 years.
The changes, announced Friday, are meant to ease Toronto’s housing shortage while encouraging development near transit hubs to reduce gridlock on city streets.
“I commend Mayor Chow for partnering with us on a bold, shared vision, one where more people can work, live and raise their families right here in Toronto,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “The changes we are announcing today, along with our government’s latest legislation, are vital steps in our plan to protect Ontario’s future by getting shovels in the ground and building homes faster to meet the needs of our growing population.”
Mayor Olivia Chow said the amendments expand on a proposal first submitted to the province five years ago under former mayor John Tory that envisioned space for 500,000 new homes.
“These changes will now facilitate three times that amount,” Chow said. “We are tackling the housing crisis by cutting red tape to build more homes near transit to support our city’s growth. By building near transit stations, we are providing new residents with convenient and reliable transit options – ultimately getting drivers off the road, reducing gridlock and getting Toronto moving.”
The province said the plan will align new home construction with Ontario’s transit investments, including a $70-billion program that covers the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the move puts more Torontonians within walking distance of rapid transit. “By building more housing near transit stations in Toronto, we’re putting new residents within walking distance of fast, reliable public transit to keep people moving,” he said.
The announcement comes as Ontario struggles to meet its target of 1.5 million new homes across the province by 2031. In 2024, only 94,753 units were started, including long-term care beds, retirement home suites and student housing.
The changes also activate Toronto’s inclusionary zoning framework in protected major transit station areas, requiring certain new developments to include affordable housing.
City council still needs to approve the amendments, and the province says it will continue working with Toronto on 14 additional station areas, including sites under the province’s Transit-Oriented Communities program.
Officials say the density changes will help create tens of thousands of construction and skilled trades jobs while attracting investment and driving economic growth in the city.
