Mississauga Seeks Inputs On Making Basement Apartments Legal
Mississauga: It’s taken for granted in Brampton and in Toronto, and now the city of Mississauga that has been holding out on welcoming in-law suites or basement apartments, is seeking the public input on how to proceed, especially given the backdrop that the Province has already passed legislation that would make all in-law suites legal. The city is holding a series of workshops on second units to share information and gather comments from the public. The units are not legal in Mississauga now, but the Government of Ontario has passed a law requiring all municipalities to allow them. Each municipality will make decisions about what legal second units will look like in their communities.
“We want to hear from our residents and get their thoughts and ideas about second units to help us provide the right housing choices for our City,” said Heather MacDonald, director of Strategic Housing Initiatives at the City’s Planning and Building Department. “We want to make sure these units are legal, safe and worry-free for everyone.”
The public consultation workshops will help the City develop second unit regulations. Once that step is complete, the City will develop an information program to help people who are interested in second units.
This is the first initiative the City is working on to improve housing choices for Mississauga. It is part of a larger project, Housing Choices: Mississauga’s Affordable Housing Strategy.
“People need a range of housing choices for everyone to feel they belong and we also know there is a significant need for affordable housing in Mississauga,” said MacDonald. “That’s why developing this strategy is a priority in our City’s Strategic Plan.”
For more information about the second units workshops or to register for a session, visit the City’s Housing Choices website at mississauga.ca/housingchoices, or contact the City at 905-615-3200, extension 2037.
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