The City’s Intensification First strategy is another step towards more housing opportunities, more commercial space, and more active and vibrant neighbourhoods. The City is undertaking multiple initiatives to put this strategy into action.

  1. New “Residential Intensification" Zones (RI and RI-1): To promote residential development.
  2. Development Incentive Grants: For Affordable Housing, Mixed-Use, Additional/ Multiple Dwellings, and Home Improvements.
  3. A Comprehensive Intensification Policy: Through an updated Community Plan.

Intensification is a planning strategy that uses vacant and underused lands through a combination of using, adding or improving existing infrastructure for a revitalized, vibrant and thriving neighbourhood.

Examples of intensification:

  • Converting a Single Detached House into a Duplex or Triplex

    A downtown single-family home can be renovated or rebuilt into a duplex or triplex, increasing the number of residential units while using the existing lot and infrastructure efficiently.

  • Developing Multi-Unit Residential on a Vacant Lot

    A previously vacant lot zoned for single-detached housing can be developed into a 4-plex, 6-plex, or even a small apartment building, adding more housing options within the same footprint.

  • Mixed-Use Development

    A low-rise commercial building in the downtown area can be redeveloped with retail or office space on the ground floor while adding residential units on upper floors, optimizing land use and fostering a vibrant, walkable community.

  • Laneway Housing or Secondary Suites

    Back laneways in residential neighbourhoods can accommodate secondary suites, increasing housing density without drastically altering neighbourhood character.

  • Re-purposing Underutilized Buildings

    An old office building or warehouse in a central area can be converted into residential units or a mixed-use development, making better use of existing structures.

  • Densifying Existing Low-Density Areas

    Large residential lots in established neighbourhoods can be subdivided to create multiple smaller lots for additional housing while maintaining community aesthetics.

  • Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

    Encouraging higher-density residential or mixed-use buildings near transit hubs, allowing more residents to live within walking distance of public transportation and reducing reliance on cars.

To know more about intensification and how the City can assist you, contact @email.