Garden suites are dividing neighbours on this tiny Toronto street

A small street in Toronto has become the latest battleground over garden suites, a new form of housing meant to address the city’s housing crisis by allowing homeowners to build secondary units in their backyards. While the city sees these suites as a way to add gentle density, some residents are less enthusiastic. On this particular street, neighbours are divided, with some welcoming the potential for more housing options, while others are worried about privacy, noise, and the changing character of their tight-knit community.

Toronto’s approval of garden suites is part of a broader push to diversify housing options in the city, aiming to alleviate affordability challenges. Garden suites, unlike laneway houses, can be built on properties without laneway access, opening up more possibilities for homeowners. However, this flexibility has sparked concerns about how these new structures will fit into established neighbourhoods. Opponents argue that the introduction of garden suites could disrupt the peaceful nature of their residential streets, while proponents see them as a necessary solution to the housing crisis.

The debate is further complicated by zoning regulations and design standards. Toronto’s zoning policies attempt to balance the need for more housing with respect for existing neighbourhood character. But in some cases, this balancing act has led to conflicts. Homeowners who want to build garden suites face a series of restrictions, such as setback requirements and rules about maintaining fire access. These rules, while meant to ensure safety and preserve green space, can limit what homeowners can do with their properties.

Ultimately, the conflict over garden suites on this Toronto street mirrors the broader debate about housing in the city. As Toronto continues to grapple with rising home prices and a growing population, garden suites represent one possible solution. Yet, as this case shows, implementing such solutions can be challenging, as residents and planners navigate the trade-offs between increasing housing density and preserving neighbourhood character.