5 Under-the-Radar Ontario Planning Decisions This Month
News & Insights
4 Min Read
Staying on top of planning decisions isn’t just about reading headlines — it’s about knowing what quietly passed at council last week that might change land value, entitlements, or project timing. At Cityscrape, we track planning meetings across Ontario and surface zoning changes, approvals, and policy shifts the moment they hit the public record — even when no press release follows.
Here are five recent decisions you probably didn’t hear about — but should have.
Toronto Embraces Shops and Cafés in Residential Streets
Toronto City Council approved sweeping zoning by-law amendments to allow small shops, cafés, and services to operate within residential neighbourhoods in certain areas. The new Neighbourhood Retail & Services rules permit businesses – from corner stores and take-out cafés to barbers, gyms, or medical offices – to open inside houses on designated streets, in some cases without lengthy rezoning or public consultation. Suburban neighborhoods were largely exempted, but many downtown and midtown residential areas will see these new permissions.
Why it matters: This is the biggest overhaul of Toronto’s residential zoning in decades. It aims to bring amenities closer to residents, support local entrepreneurs, and add vibrancy in low-rise areas, while monitoring the impacts over the next two years.
Markham Greenlights Four-Unit Homes Citywide
In late November, Markham adopted Official Plan Amendment 66 to allow up to four residential units on low-density lots. The change enables three Additional Residential Units (ARUs) – such as basement apartments or coach houses – per property in single-detached, semi-detached, or townhouse zones. This up-zones all traditional homes to permit triplexes or fourplexes by right.
Why it matters: This aligns with federal Housing Accelerator Fund targets and opens the door to small-scale infill projects across Markham without requiring lengthy rezonings — a major win for developers and rental investors.
Richmond Hill Modernizes Its Zoning By-law
Richmond Hill Council adopted the city’s first comprehensive zoning by-law, consolidating over 40 legacy bylaws. The overhaul simplifies more than 100 residential zoning categories into just 12 clear zones and introduces a fully online interactive format. It also updates rules for building heights, parking, and transit-oriented development.
Why it matters: This move will speed up approvals and give developers consistent, clear rules citywide. It’s a foundational reset that brings zoning into alignment with growth targets, especially in areas like the Richmond Hill Centre transit hub.
Windsor Freezes Development Charges to Spur Building
Windsor City Council voted to freeze development charges for five years instead of allowing them to increase in 2026. The move was designed to protect developers during a period of economic uncertainty and housing market slowdown.
Why it matters: In a time when project viability is sensitive to cost, this gives Windsor a competitive edge. It signals to the market that the city is open for business — and willing to share in the risk of new housing delivery.
Guelph Boosts Affordable Housing and Tenant Protections
Guelph council approved three housing-related initiatives: a 4% vacant home tax, the drafting of a new bylaw to limit bad-faith evictions during renovations, and a strategy to use city-owned land for affordable housing development.
Why it matters: These changes could directly impact development strategy and partnership opportunities. The vacant home tax and rental protections also suggest a stronger regulatory stance from Guelph — worth watching for both landlords and infill developers.
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