Should Mississauga Allow More Housing Types in Neighbourhoods?

Official title: Increasing Housing Choices in Neighbourhoods Study

Closed Community Planning Housing & Communities
Mississauga is changing its zoning rules to allow more housing variety in single-family neighbourhoods. The city has already approved fourplexes, garden suites, garage conversions, and laneway homes. Now they're simplifying rules to make it easier to build semi-detached homes on smaller lots too.

Why This Matters

Trying to buy your first home in Mississauga? This could mean more affordable options in established neighbourhoods. Young people worried about leaving the city might find places to stay. Homeowners could add rental units to their property for extra income.

What Could Change

Up to three homes can now be built on one lot, including garden suites and garage conversions. Fourplexes are now allowed "as-of-right" without special zoning approvals. Smaller lots can now have semi-detached homes in areas that previously only allowed detached houses.

Key Issues

  • What types of gentle density housing should be allowed in neighbourhoods?
  • How can zoning rules be simplified to make building easier?
  • What lot sizes and building heights are appropriate for additional units?

How to Participate

  1. Review the new zoning and official plan rules for additional residential units to understand what's already been approved.
  2. Mail your comments to Elizabeth Bang, City Planning Strategies, 7th FL - Planning and Building, City of Mississauga, 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1.

What Happened

The city has completed several phases of this study. New zoning rules for additional residential units, fourplexes, and simplified neighbourhood zones have all been approved and are now in effect. Public consultation on the neighbourhood zoning review occurred in fall 2024, with recommendations brought to Planning and Development Committee in March 2025.

View Final Decision

Key Documents