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moreneighboursto.bsky.social
More Neighbours Toronto
@moreneighboursto.bsky.social
4.9K followers 270 following 790 posts
Toronto's pro-housing movement.

More Neighbours in more neighbourhoods, with access to more jobs, more infrastructure, and more culture than ever before.
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moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Appreciate these clear statements from CMHC. It's got some good insight.

"As a country, are we comfortable with the implications of using a “growth pays for growth” approach in municipal development financing? And what are the alternatives?"

www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/observer/202...
December 5, 2025 at 5:21 AM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
"The chair of this committee frequently says that in Ontario, we zone for buildings, not for people. But when we have a report that says adding new buildings will create complete communities and we couldn't possibly do that in Rosedale, I wonder if that's true."
December 4, 2025 at 2:06 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
This study was initiated in 2021. This is phase 2, which has had at least 6 community engagement sessions, 10 local pop-ups and a Local Advisory Committee in addition to dedicated engagement for certain groups.
In Phase 1, the City held an in-person Visioning Workshop in November 2023 to introduce the study and hear from the community about what they value, want to protect, or would like to see change in North York Centre. The same activities were also available online through Social Pinpoint. Over 150 people attended the Workshop and 257 participated online. In Phase 2, three community meetings were held in March 2025 to share options for updating the Secondary Plan. The same information and engagement activities were available online through a YouTube video and Social Pinpoint survey. Over 350 people attended the March meetings and 1,086 participated in the online survey. In response to requests from the local Ward Councillor and community members, three additional meetings were held in June and July 2025. The goal was to continue the conversation on the options for updating the Secondary Plan with a focus on specific neighbourhoods in the study area. 564 people attended the summer meetings. Alongside the community meetings, the Local Advisory Committee met five times to review project materials, and 10 community pop-up events helped raise awareness of the project, connect with residents and workers, and share information on how to get involved. 555 people have signed up for e-updates. This extensive engagement approach provided the opportunity for staff to get input from a diverse range of residents, including those from equity- deserving groups. As part of the City's commitment to truth and reconciliation, meetings were held with Indigenous communities and organizations during Phases 1 and 2... More: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2025/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-260204.pdf
December 3, 2025 at 4:41 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Local Toronto root-rock band, @jenschaffer.bsky.social, is sharing the holiday love with us and some other housing focused organizations!

Their new song, "Homes for the Holiday", is being dedicated to shine a light on the work being done by us, @housingrightsca.bsky.social, and the CAEH (caeh.ca).
Album cover for the song "Homes for the Holiday" by the band "Jen Schaffer & The Shiners". Scene depicted is a 70/80's era photo of people at a local tobogganing hill, with white snow and bare trees in the background. Picture of the band "Jen Schaffer and the Shiners" dressed in casual/business casual fall clothing in front of a dark bar or banquet hall. Band is 2 women and 3 men between the ages of 30-50.
November 23, 2025 at 6:42 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
If you're interested in making this spine a little chunkier, the latest on the North York Secondary Plan should be at Planning and Housing Committee on December 3rd. No new details available yet but opposition from the low-rise Neighbourhood is expected.
November 21, 2025 at 2:55 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
It may be possible to recreate the effect of minimum lot sizes with lot frontage, depth, etc. but removing minimum lot area is a good start. No one should look at a min lot area of 8000 square metres and imagine that it's there for infrastructure or safety reasons. It's mansion zoning for exclusion.
A portion of Toronto's zoning map near Lawrence and Bayview. To the right, a zoning regulation reads "RD (f60.0; a8000) (x893)". The "a" number indicates a minimum lot area of 8000 square metres.
November 20, 2025 at 1:25 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Research on minimum lot sizes in Texas suggested that "large-lot zoning as practiced in exclusionary coastal jurisdictions is a binding constraint on density." A summary of recent changes to reduce or eliminate minimum lot sizes is included in our letter. drive.google.com/drive/folder...
November 20, 2025 at 1:25 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Last week: Neighbourhood retail is maintaining pre-amalgamation divides in Toronto.

This week: Minimum lot sizes are an outdated artefact of pre-amalgamation zoning that divides Toronto.

We wrote to the province on Bill 60 to support the removal of minimum lot sizes.
A map of Toronto with pre-amalgamation borders and the minimum lot area overlaid on top. The old City of Toronto and York have no minimum lot area and East York's minimum lot area is low (< 400 sq m). Some parts of Southern Scarborough have minimum lot areas of 400-800 sq m, but most of the Northern part of Scarborough has no restrictions. Etobicoke and North York are covered in minimum lot area requirements, typically ranging from 400-800 sq m, but the Bridle Path and a few other areas stand out, with minimum lot sizes over 1200 square metres.
November 20, 2025 at 1:25 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Thank you to everyone who wrote in and helped Toronto get this far, especially to @anotherglassbox.bsky.social for all of his work.
November 13, 2025 at 10:58 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
There were also a lot of improvements to the ravine system proposed. The usual parkland dedication, but also the removal of hard surfaces, new plantings, etc.
Overall Net Benefit to the Natural Heritage System (NHS) The Proposed Development achieves an overall net benefit to the NHS, driven by restoration and enhancement activities along the eastern boundary adjacent to the ravine. Most importantly, 1,979 square metres (m2) of valleylands are proposed to be dedicated to the TRCA. The implementation of buffer plantings and the removal of existing impervious surfaces, such as paved parking lots and hard landscaping, will result in an overall increase of 560 m2 of additional vegetation coverage. It is the intention of the proponent to convey the new buffer planting areas (200 m²) and the on-site parkland dedication (1,050 m2) to public ownership upon approval, ensuring long-term protection and management. This increase of additional vegetation coverage will not occur if this MZO is approved. Grading and Slope Restoration for Improved Access The Proposed Development includes the demolition of the existing retaining wall along the Steeles Avenue West frontage to improve the pedestrian public realm and enhance access to the site and the adjacent City-owned West Don Valley Open Space, connecting to the 300+ acre G Ross Lord Park. • Slope Safety and Naturalization: The grading will improve the City’s NHS because it allows for the restoration of the gradual natural slope to the landscape, removing anthropogenic structures from the ravine lands. On top of this, the removal requires temporary grading that encroaches upon approximately 130 m2 of the ravine which dominated by non-native, invasive species (Common Buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica). • In-Situ Enhancement: Following the regrading, the entire 130 m2 area will be restored and enhanced in-situ utilizing naturalized vegetation which will compliment the retained NHS ravine system.
November 12, 2025 at 2:31 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
This site was also going to pay for a stormwater management system. Many residents are concerned about flooding in the area so this would have helped deal with that.
Stormwater Management Under existing conditions, the subject site does not have a formal stormwater management system. The City’s Wet Weather Flow Management Guidelines (WWFMG) impose the implementation of stormwater management measures to control 100-year storm events. Under existing conditions, the 100-year storm flow towards the municipal storm network is calculated at 328.2 L/s. Under proposed conditions where stormwater management measures are implemented, the proposed discharge into the storm network is 115.6 L/s. This represents an approximate 65% reduction in discharge to the storm sewer network and ultimately to the West Don River. This reduction will mitigate flooding risks, enhance system resiliency, and improve downstream hydraulic performance during minor and major storm events. In addition, implementation of quality control measures, including the installation of an Oil & Grit Separator unit, will achieve 80% removal of Total Suspended Solids (TSS), thereby improving the quality of stormwater discharged to the City’s infrastructure and the West Don River watershed. This improvement would not occur if the MZO is granted and the Proposed Development is cancelled.
November 12, 2025 at 2:31 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
The developer claims that they have been working to get this site approved for 5 years and it has cost them about $5 million to get to this stage. This seems in line with Ontario Association of Architects estimates on the costs of delays.
I am writing on behalf of Microbjo Properties Inc., the owner and operator of the apartment building and property at 1875 Steeles Ave. W. in Toronto. Tenblock is Microbjo’s development management entity. We have spent over 5 years and $5-million in good faith, seeking government permission to build 132 affordable apartments and 828 market-rate apartments at our property. You have asked for input on whether you should consider the request from MEDJCT to make a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) on our property, limiting maximum height to 33 metres. If you grant the requested MZO, it will kill the project, block new homes for 960 households, squander our invested capital and effort, and meaningfully undermine our and the housing industry’s business confidence.
November 12, 2025 at 2:31 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Yes, it seemed like the developer put forward a proposal to improve biodiversity, expand trail access in the area, work with indigenous groups and build homes. All supposedly City aims but they have been fighting against the project since October 2023. www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis...
November 11, 2025 at 3:16 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
REMINDER:

Join us on December 6th at 6pm for the annual MNTO Holiday Party & AGM.

Board Applications are open! Check details in link for application information. Can't wait to see everyone there!

mailchi.mp/moreneighbou...
Simple poster with text that reads: More Neighbours Toronto's AGM & Holiday Party. White text on light blue background with geometric white snowflakes.
November 8, 2025 at 6:11 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Ontario and Toronto are both failing to meet their housing targets. They both claim to be doing everything that they can to get there. Will they both end up supporting this request to block housing?

This is our submission to the Minister.
November 6, 2025 at 7:56 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
On the agenda for Council next week: Councillor Pasternak wants the City to officially back the province on a Ministerial Zoning Order to stop housing from being built. Not quite in line with either government's claim that housing is their top priority. secure.toronto.ca/council/agen...
Recommendations Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, recommends that: 1. City Council endorse the proposed Minister’s Zoning Order that applies to the lands at 1875 Steeles Avenue West to protect the long-term operational viability of Sanofi Pasteur Limited’s manufacturing facilities and headquarters at 1755 Steeles Avenue West. 2. City Council forward this resolution to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Summary This motion is to express support for the provincial government’s proposal to ministerially zone the lands known as 1875 Steeles Ave West to limit building heights in order to safeguard the continued operational viability of Sanofi Pasteur Limited’s biomanufacturing campus at 1755 Steeles Avenue West.
November 6, 2025 at 7:56 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
That well-known right to limit housing by dictating who can live inside a neighbouring residence that you don't own.
"The counter to that is individuals always have rights, and so the group of appellants are trying to maintain their rights from their perspective,” MacNeil said in a recent interview.
November 4, 2025 at 11:51 AM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Councillor @joshmatlow.bsky.social working to make Impossible Toronto a little more possible. He's got a motion at committee tomorrow to get a report on new waste collection strategies for mid-rise housing in Q2 2026.
Type G loading is interconnected with the City’s approach to waste collection. With the continued emergence of missing middle housing forms across the city, the need for more flexible and context-sensitive waste collection solutions is becoming increasingly important. This motion directs staff to undertake a comprehensive review of Type G loading space requirements and their interactions with waste collection standards. It requests the City to explore the feasibility of the utilization of small scale waste collection vehicles that are more compatible with constrained urban areas, as well as innovative solutions such as turntables, shared or below grade loading space, and on-street storage systems currently used across many other global cities. There is existing staff direction to conduct a review of loading space requirements through the Missing Middle and Midrise Housing Implementation Initiative. This motion is intended to ensure that there is clear direction for interdivisional coordination to focus on implementing innovative solutions, in a timely and urgent manner given the significant impact of loading requirements on new housing supply and good design.
October 29, 2025 at 10:05 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
In the City survey, 72% supported small businesses in Neighbourhoods, with 50% wanting more permissions than are proposed. But many RAs are writing in opposition, despite the proposal being watered down after they asked for more consultation last year.
Some sample responses include: • “I want to live in a complete community where most stores & services are within walking distance especially as I age but also for the sake of independence, community and employment nearby. If we don’t have to drive so much, we aren’t stuck in traffic. And we’re not isolated in a car but meeting neighbours.” • “The city needs to be more walkable. I've lived downtown and in Etobicoke and the difference is staggering. I understand I won't have a full grocery store at my nearest corner but by allowing other uses to property besides residential creates a more vibrant community.” • “In Etobicoke we have everything we need within walking distance unfortunately the city of Toronto is tearing down six points…and will be taking away Cloverdale mall.” • “I live in North York east of the DVP, just south of Eglinton. I have bikeable access to retail on Lawrence and Eglinton but walking is more of a hike. Would love to see some retail within easier walking distance like a convenience store or cafe. I believe it would make the community more vibrant and encourage more people in the neighbourhood to walk.” • “Services are fairly distant with the nearest retail plaza a 15 minute walk. The neighbouring area to mine has several apartment towers but not a single retail unit, in spite of the number of people residing there.”
October 28, 2025 at 8:09 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Neighbourhood retail will be at Planning and Housing Committee on Thursday. Much of Toronto's traditional retail + residential is being considered for heritage protection. Why is it valued and how could we do more of it? Our letter:
www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis...
Position More Neighbours supports the expansion of small-scale retail, service, and office uses in Neighbourhoods. We urge the Planning and Housing Committee and City Council to adopt the proposed Zoning By-law amendment. More Neighbours has long supported making the Zoning By-law more permissive, especially in residential Neighbourhoods. The strict separation of uses in Toronto’s Zoning By-law, whether retail or different types of housing, has been a major factor in producing the housing crisis. It is time to undo this quirk of our zoning and revert to the more traditional mixed neighbourhoods that Toronto was built around. Making Major Streets Work We note that the majority of new retail permissions that this study proposes to add are to areas classified as Neighbourhoods along Major Streets. This is the second piece of the EHON initiative, along with the Major Streets Study, which is reliant on development along Major Streets to expand the options in Neighbourhoods. It is therefore crucial for the success of the EHON initiative that new buildings actually be built along Major Streets. To that end, it is important to assess residual barriers to the construction of apartments along Major Streets. We encourage City Council and City Planning to investigate the reduction of required setbacks and amenity requirements in Residential Zones along Major Streets. This would reduce land costs, and make it more economical to build along Major Streets. Toronto’s traditional mixed retail and residential buildings, which in many cases are now the focus of heritage preservation, did not have large setbacks, especially at the front and sides of the building. Restoring the permission to build the City’s traditional form could be a major benefit of this study. But only if the City allows it. We also encourage City Council and City Planning to study a simplification or elimination of Site Plan Control for smaller apartment buildings of the scale now permitted along Major Streets. Many of the Site Plan Control requirements are designed for large buildings in Downtown and the Centres with hundreds of units. Many of these requirements are excessive for smaller buildings. Reducing the required studies to something more appropriate for the smaller scale of the buildings along Major Streets would reduce the cost for these buildings which the City is trying to encourage. It would also reduce the time needed for development application review, which would reduce the cost both to the City and to the developer. Next Steps After EHON More Neighbours has strongly supported the EHON initiative. Each step has involved a beneficial expansion of the zoning permissions in Neighbourhoods. This work was long overdue to bring growth to our shrinking residential areas and to chip away at exclusionary zoning. But with the closing of EHON, it is time to start looking ahead to make room for the next generation of residents. With the expansion of permissions to Neighbourhoods, the Residential section of the Zoning By-law has become quite complex, which adds increased effort to both development applications and development reviews by the City. It also makes public understanding of the Zoning By-law much more difficult. ... full text at https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2025/ph/comm/communicationfile-197382.pdf
October 28, 2025 at 8:09 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
With alt text.
x.com/RobFlackEML/...
Residents expect stability and predictability in Ontario's rental market, and now is not the time to consider changes to this system. As such, we have decided not to proceed with consultations on potential changes to month-to-month leases. Ontario will continue to implement common-sense reforms and strengthen the province's rental housing market by restoring balance at the Landlord and Tenant Board, cracking down on abuse of the system, and encouraging new rental construction to make it easier for families to find a place to call home.
October 26, 2025 at 9:48 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
Unexpectedly fast.
October 26, 2025 at 9:39 PM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
In Toronto, the estimated number of vacant homes is about 9000. And we already have a program to bring these homes onto the market. It is the vacant homes tax.
Following the second year of the program, Toronto estimates a current vacancy rate of approximately 1% - 1.2% or 8,700 to 10,200 homes • While too early to determine if the program is achieving its housing supply goals, for 2023 it is estimated that vacancies reduced by approximately 15%
October 24, 2025 at 12:58 AM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
The myth that there are "hundreds of thousands" of vacant units wasn't true when local NIMBYs said it in 2024 and it's not true when the Attorney General of Ontario says it today. Tenants shouldn't have their rights weakened because of the Ford government's failure to build.
Tweet from More Neighbours Toronto on 2/12/2024: "The myth of abundant vacant apartment buildings allows people to oppose new apartments without dealing with the human reality of housing demand." Brb, getting this tattooed on our forehead. Quote-tweeting this video from Oh The Urbanity: https://bsky.app/profile/ohtheurbanity.bsky.social/post/3kl7z2piw4f2q
October 24, 2025 at 12:58 AM
moreneighboursto.bsky.social
October 22, 2025 at 7:35 PM