Financial Barriers to Legalization of Non-compliant Units in Ground Level Housing - by Councillor Ana Bailão, seconded by Mayor John Tory

When permit applications are received to renovate these houses, significant development charges and parkland dedication fees can be incurred. These costs can be a barrier to bringing 'illegal' units into conformity with City by-laws, and to the creation of additional units. Examples are coming to the attention of Council with increasing frequency. Current City policies regarding charges for additional units are meant to allow incremental increases in units without incurring substantial fees that are otherwise associated with growth related development in new buildings. However, these policies are not sensitive to the situation where tenancies may have been long established, but in 'illegal' units. This Motion would direct staff to review the situation and make appropriate recommendations to address this challenge. The Province introduced changes to the application of development charges and parkland fees through the More Homes, More Choices Act. These changes are expected to come into effect in the coming months as Provincial regulations are developed and enacted and may influence the City's policy options regarding the treatment of illegal units. It is expected that the staff review would take these pending changes into account.

housing, and to report back to Executive Committee with recommendations on how to address the impact of City imposed financial barriers on increasing the number of units by second quarter of 2020.