Item - 2023.PH5.4

The Planning and Housing Committee received the report (May 17, 2023) from the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, for information.

This report responds to a request for information on how affordable housing is being secured at Transit Oriented Communities.  A number of these projects have been proposed at several Ontario Line stations.  To date zoning has been authorized through Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) at nine TOC locations.  Staff continue to negotiate how the City’s interests will be secured from future TOC development partners, notably including the provision of affordable housing.

Options under review by the Province include leveraging Inclusionary Zoning, purchasing units through a funding contribution from the Province’s TOC proceeds, the potential participation of the City through its Open Door program, and a future buy-back option.  In addition, each TOC location is being assessed to determine the cost of affordable units and how many units could be secured under ownership and rental scenarios, and under different terms of affordability.  Consolidation of affordable units at certain TOC locations is also under consideration.

The Housing Secretariat has been consulted in the preparation of this report.