Expanding Housing Choices and Improving Affordability: Discussion Paper
Background and Introduction to the Study:
The Town of Tecumseh, along with many other municipalities, are experiencing an urgent need to expand housing choices and address growing housing affordability challenges. In the Fall of 2023, Council adopted a Housing Action Plan, which identified a number of actions that could be taken to make it easier for residents to find housing that is more affordable and meets their needs. One of the key recommended actions is to explore opportunities for expanding housing types that can be built in both existing and new neighbourhoods. Tecumseh is now undertaking a study to consider ways to update the Zoning By-law and Official Plan to allow a more balanced range of housing in low density residential areas. This could include allowing up to four dwelling units on urban lots, an increase from the three that is currently permitted. This study is being undertaken in phases, with the first phase being the preparation of a Discussion Paper. In subsequent phases, a Directions Report will be prepared, together with updated official plan policies and new zoning regulations.
You can view the discussion paper here.
Introduction to the Discussion Paper:
The Discussion Paper is intended as an initial resource to inform and guide community discussions about expanding housing options in the Town of Tecumseh. The Discussion Paper:
- Summarizes the key housing affordability challenges which are driving the need for this study;
- Explains what the Official Plan is and how it supports expanding housing options;
- Explains how the current Zoning By-laws affect housing choice;
- Provides a summary of other case studies where municipalities have updated their zoning and policies to address similar housing affordability challenges; and
- Describes different types of housing tenure and housing form and explains the Town’s current zoning requirements for these forms.
What happens next?
The Discussion Paper is the first step in this study. Informed by community consultation, the study team will subsequently prepare a Directions Report to identify proposed updates to the zoning regulations. The Directions Report will also be brought forward for consultation with the community prior to being finalized for Council’s consideration to adopt any proposed zoning or Official Plan policy changes.
