(49) Toronto Multiplexes: The Rules, Risks, and Reality - Janna Levit & Samantha Eby

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Architects Jana Levitt (LGA Architectural Partners) and Sam Eby (executive director of the not-for-profit Rehousing) discuss helping “citizen developers” navigate multiplex housing development in Toronto, especially multiplexes. They explain why the process is complex even for professionals, how Rehousing visualizes options and breaks down steps, and why early decisions include renovation/addition vs teardown/new build, costs, financing, assembling consultants, and clarifying personal goals. They distinguish what’s “possible” vs “viable” on a site, share rule-of-thumb lot dimensions for sixplexes, and highlight critical knock-ons like HST rebates, utility upgrades (e.g., transformers), committee of adjustment risk, and the misconception that “as-of-right” is a slam dunk. They also cover Part 3 Building Code thresholds, alternative ownership models, Jana’s demonstration multiplex project lessons, and point listeners to rehousing.ca and torontorehousing.ca tools.

• What Is Rehousing?
• Empowering Citizen Developers
• First Steps for a Sixplex
• Possible Versus Viable
• Feasibility Tool Overview
• Lot Size Rules of Thumb
• Hidden Costs and Knock-Ons
• As Of Right Myths
• Neighbours And Variances
• Risk Tolerance Strategy
• Building Code Thresholds
• Alternative Ownership Models
• Co-Ownership Mortgage Risks
• Self-Development and Capital

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com

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