The controversy surrounding sixplexes, which are residential buildings consisting of six separate homes, continues to create divisions in neighborhoods across Toronto, even as some wards have seen this issue resolved. The Toronto Committee of Adjustment recently approved a new sixplex and garden suite on McRoberts Avenue by a vote of 3-1 amidst mounting opposition from local residents who voice concerns about the impact on their community.
Supporters of the development reference its proximity to public transit, with Larry Clay, Chair of the Toronto & East York Committee of Adjustment, noting that the project is only a three-minute walk from the new Caledonia station on the Eglinton line. He emphasized that areas near transit should accommodate more residential density.
However, local residents have expressed outrage over the changes to their neighborhood. Jim Kontos, a resident living adjacent to the new development, shared his frustrations, saying, “I’ve lived in Toronto all my life... council decides that anybody can build six units, garden suites, three storeys high, and that’s it, end of story. No! It’s the end of the city, Toronto sucks!” Kontos fears that these developments signify the end of a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood.
The city council's decision to allow sixplexes is part of a broader plan initiated last year, where nine councillors from downtown and East York wards opted into the new zoning laws. Nevertheless, there remain significant concerns among constituents regarding these developments. Architect Mehdy Ajvand from Hyphen Studio emphasized the importance of dialogue between residents and designers to address community concerns, noting that not all properties will benefit from such developments.
Proponents of sixplexes argue that they can help alleviate Toronto’s housing affordability crisis, which has led to an increase in the number of proposed projects. Ajvand's studio has recently taken on an additional seven sixplex projects. However, he also acknowledges that a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate and calls for more specific zoning bylaws to address the distinct characteristics of various neighborhoods.
Architectural drawings presented at the meeting depicted the proposed sixplex as being similar in height to neighboring properties, yet local residents noted discrepancies in these representations. Paul Gogan pointed out that the adjacent houses shown were inaccurately represented as two-storey buildings when they are, in fact, low one-storey homes. Neighbors accuse developers of using misleading information to secure approvals, with Kontos stating, “They’re in for money and greed, and they’re gonna do anything to fool the people and the politicians.”
On the suburban front, councillors have opted to keep sixplexes out of their wards for the time being, stating concerns that such developments will escalate property values and make homeownership unattainable for young families. Councillor Parthi Kandavel from Scarborough Southwest cautioned that allowing higher zoning for landowners will invite investors, driving up prices and pushing young families out of the city. “What ends up happening? They go to the 905. That’s not the Toronto that I want and many Torontonians want,” he remarked.
Hyphen Studio has indicated that construction for the McRoberts Avenue project could begin in as little as two and a half months, with an estimated completion time of approximately a year and a half. As the debates continue, the city remains at a crossroads regarding its housing policies and the balance between development and preserving community character.
