Free fourplex and sixplex plans arrive in a city of 1962-era apartments

Why this matters for renters

Toronto's rental stock is old. Lintel Watch counts 3,611 registered apartment buildings with 328,273 units, and the median one was built in 1962 — about 64 years ago. Only 63 private registered buildings went up in 2019 or later, roughly 2 per cent of the 3,039 private buildings on the list.

The City's free multiplex designs will not change that count. Fourplexes and sixplexes are too small for the RentSafeTO registry, which covers buildings of at least three storeys and ten units. New homes from this program will sit outside the inspection and scoring system renters use to compare large buildings.

What it adds up to

The effect is additive, not instant. As an example, if 100 homeowners each completed a fourplex, that would create 400 homes — a fraction of the 328,273 units already registered. The designs are offered at no charge, so the saving for an owner is the early design work, not the construction.

If you rent

• Expect new low-rise options in residential neighbourhoods, not just along main streets.
• Know that a fourplex or sixplex is unlikely to carry a RentSafeTO evaluation score.

If you own or manage a building

• Fourplexes are permitted across the city; sixplex permissions depend on where your lot is.
• A project that meets zoning can go straight to a building permit, skipping the Committee of Adjustment.
• You still must hire a qualified design professional to prepare drawings for your specific site.

Plans and eligibility details are on the City of Toronto's pre-approved plans page.