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Toronto should take a similarly pragmatic approach to exempt small unit buildings from condominium application process meant for large towers: buildtoronto.com/memos/multip...
Free Multiplexes from Big Condo Ownership Rules
Toronto should make it easier to build, sell, and own multiplex housing by exempting small buildings from the city’s cumbersome condominium process and allowing ownership conversions as-of-right.
buildtoronto.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Toronto should take a similarly pragmatic approach to exempt small unit buildings from condominium application process meant for large towers: buildtoronto.com/memos/multip...
This isn't the case elsewhere. British Columbia introduced new Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing reforms that have enabled ownership for sixplexes. That means that it's easy for multiple families to own units in the same building.
November 27, 2025 at 5:14 PM
This isn't the case elsewhere. British Columbia introduced new Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing reforms that have enabled ownership for sixplexes. That means that it's easy for multiple families to own units in the same building.
These steps adds friction, cost and uncertainty to what should be a straightforward process. This means that while multiplexes are now permitted to build, they are difficult to sell to end users.
November 27, 2025 at 5:14 PM
These steps adds friction, cost and uncertainty to what should be a straightforward process. This means that while multiplexes are now permitted to build, they are difficult to sell to end users.
And if you own an older multiplex with rental units that you want to convert to ownership, you have to get additional special permissions.
November 27, 2025 at 5:14 PM
And if you own an older multiplex with rental units that you want to convert to ownership, you have to get additional special permissions.
If you build a multiplex and want to sell individual units in the building, you have to complete a full condominium application. The same process used for a 200-unit tower – with multiple reviews and thousands of dollars in fees – is used for a 4-unit building.
November 27, 2025 at 5:14 PM
If you build a multiplex and want to sell individual units in the building, you have to complete a full condominium application. The same process used for a 200-unit tower – with multiple reviews and thousands of dollars in fees – is used for a 4-unit building.
4. Measure and report results – publish results to ensure accountability to the public
November 18, 2025 at 3:54 PM
4. Measure and report results – publish results to ensure accountability to the public
3. Create a joint funding model – a City-Province partnership fund can ensure every intersection is upgraded without overburdening city budgets.
November 18, 2025 at 3:54 PM
3. Create a joint funding model – a City-Province partnership fund can ensure every intersection is upgraded without overburdening city budgets.
2. Adopt clear technology standards – leverage the global standard of camera-based detection
November 18, 2025 at 3:54 PM
2. Adopt clear technology standards – leverage the global standard of camera-based detection
This memo proposes:
1. Modernize Toronto's traffic signals – move from outdated fixed-time plans to intelligent and adaptive signals
1. Modernize Toronto's traffic signals – move from outdated fixed-time plans to intelligent and adaptive signals
November 18, 2025 at 3:54 PM
This memo proposes:
1. Modernize Toronto's traffic signals – move from outdated fixed-time plans to intelligent and adaptive signals
1. Modernize Toronto's traffic signals – move from outdated fixed-time plans to intelligent and adaptive signals
Similar systems in China saw trip time reductions of ~20% after using adaptive traffic systems.
November 18, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Similar systems in China saw trip time reductions of ~20% after using adaptive traffic systems.
The system adapts to the reality on-the-ground rather than a fixed schedule. This means it'd be able to respond to construction detours, traffic surges when a Leafs game ends, or to unexpected incidents on the Gardiner.
November 18, 2025 at 3:54 PM
The system adapts to the reality on-the-ground rather than a fixed schedule. This means it'd be able to respond to construction detours, traffic surges when a Leafs game ends, or to unexpected incidents on the Gardiner.
It doesn't have to be this way. In the Netherlands, signals are designed to be responsive. Pedestrian walk phases are only triggered when a person is actually waiting. Vehicle and bicycle detection systems shorten or lengthen greens based on the traffic that has actually arrived.
November 18, 2025 at 3:54 PM
It doesn't have to be this way. In the Netherlands, signals are designed to be responsive. Pedestrian walk phases are only triggered when a person is actually waiting. Vehicle and bicycle detection systems shorten or lengthen greens based on the traffic that has actually arrived.
This is because most intersections run on fixed plans written years ago, unable to adjust to modern or real-time needs.
November 18, 2025 at 3:54 PM
This is because most intersections run on fixed plans written years ago, unable to adjust to modern or real-time needs.
What's more, they can look to identify and invite opportunities for new partnerships, such as Riverdale Park, Hanlan's Point, or sections of the Waterfront.
buildtoronto.com/memos/conser...
buildtoronto.com/memos/conser...
Using Conservancies to Build Great Public Spaces
The Bentway shows how public-space conservancies can combine public ownership with independent care, unlocking better programming, maintenance, and design.
buildtoronto.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:57 PM
What's more, they can look to identify and invite opportunities for new partnerships, such as Riverdale Park, Hanlan's Point, or sections of the Waterfront.
buildtoronto.com/memos/conser...
buildtoronto.com/memos/conser...
With a clear Conservancy Partnership Framework, the City could move from one-off exceptions to a standardized framework. This framework should outline clear legal, operational and funding arrangements.
October 30, 2025 at 3:57 PM
With a clear Conservancy Partnership Framework, the City could move from one-off exceptions to a standardized framework. This framework should outline clear legal, operational and funding arrangements.
However, there are still limitations in Toronto's approach to conservancies. As they look to grow, each phase requires unique approvals and exemptions. Many different departments need to be navigated, approvals from previous phases are not rolled over to the next, and there is no sustained funding.
October 30, 2025 at 3:57 PM
However, there are still limitations in Toronto's approach to conservancies. As they look to grow, each phase requires unique approvals and exemptions. Many different departments need to be navigated, approvals from previous phases are not rolled over to the next, and there is no sustained funding.
This combines the stability of public ownership with the agility and ambition of non-profits and philanthropies.
October 30, 2025 at 3:57 PM
This combines the stability of public ownership with the agility and ambition of non-profits and philanthropies.
This was possible because of The Bentway Conservancy. Conservancies are non-profit organizations that manage publicly owned land through long-term agreements with government. Ownership remains public, but operations, programming and fundraising are handled by independent entities.
October 30, 2025 at 3:57 PM
This was possible because of The Bentway Conservancy. Conservancies are non-profit organizations that manage publicly owned land through long-term agreements with government. Ownership remains public, but operations, programming and fundraising are handled by independent entities.
With changes to connectivity and wayfinding, we can make Toronto's first impression a great one.
buildtoronto.com/memos/great-...
buildtoronto.com/memos/great-...
Make Toronto’s First Impression a Great One
The first 90 minutes in Toronto shape how visitors judge the city, and today that experience is confusing and fragmented.
buildtoronto.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:55 PM
With changes to connectivity and wayfinding, we can make Toronto's first impression a great one.
buildtoronto.com/memos/great-...
buildtoronto.com/memos/great-...