On October 14, Council approved amendments to the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) in the R1 District. The amendments respond to resident concerns regarding building height, massing, and parking while maintaining alignment with supporting family-sized and rental housing and introducing missing middle forms. The proposed amendments to the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) framework would significantly reduce the size and intensity of new developments in the R1 District. Overall, allowable building height would drop by 17% to 38%, and achievable floor area would fall by 33% to 45%, depending on whether units are contained within a single building or split between front and rear principal buildings. 

Key R1 District Changes: 

• Lot coverage reduced by 5%; 
• Impervious surface limits lowered from 70% to 60% (for 4 units) and to 50% (for 1-3 units); 
• Storeys reduced from 4 to 3 for most forms, and to 2 for rear principal buildings; 
• Building heights reduced: 
• 12 m to 11 m (rowhouses) 
• 10 m to 8.5 m (1–6 unit dwellings) 
• 7.5 m (rear buildings, all types) 
• Lane yard setback increased from 1.2 m to 1.5 m; 
• Rooftop patio height exemptions removed; 
• Clarifications added for outdoor space access, heritage properties, and measurement standards; 

Parking Amendments: 

• Required parking increased from 0-0.5 spaces/unit to 0.67-1.0 spaces/unit, depending on housing type and unit count; 
• For areas outside Frequent Transit Network and Transit-Oriented Areas: 1 space for the first unit + 0.5 spaces per additional unit (rounded up); and 
• The report notes that the impact is limited, as Provincial legislation exempts ~57% of R1 lots within frequent transit areas from minimum parking requirements. 

During the meeting, Council added further amendments, including: 

• Maximum height of a principal building is limited to 3 stories including basement; 
• Maximum height for a principal building is limited to 10 meters measured from the lower of the average front or rear elevation to the highest point of the roof; 
• Maximum height for a rear building is limited to 2 stories; 
• Rear building(s) limited to 33% of total permitted lot coverage;  
• For lots in excess of 748 m2, total permitted lot coverage for less than 3 units is reduced to 25%, and a height of 2.5 storeys; 
• For lots less than 748 m2 in size, and with generate less than two principal dwellings, development shall be limited to a total lot coverage of 30%, and a height of 2.5 storeys; and 
• Balconies are not permitted to project into required yards. 

A notice of motion was proposed, noting further potential amendments: 

• Front setback will be no less than the neighbouring property on each side; 
• A minimum of one parking space per unit is required; and 
• No more than 4 units per parcel with a lot area less than 623 m2. 

More information can be found in the full report by City staff. 

September 2, 2025

On August 26, Council directed staff to schedule a Committee of the Whole meeting to review the R1 District Bylaw. The review is proposed to include Development Cost Charges (DCCs), Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs), and permit approval timelines, with the assessment informed by data and feedback collected over the past 14 months. The report noted that the review is an opportunity to strengthen collective understanding, address emerging challenges, and position the City for sustainable success in the years ahead. 

More information can be found in the proposed motion.