City wants to increase housing options for Mississauga residents

With limited supply and soaring prices, many of Mississauga’s middle class residents are having difficulty finding suitable and affordable housing.

The city is now undertaking a new study, exploring ways to increase housing options in residential neighbourhoods.

The impetus for the study comes from the city’s housing strategy, Making Room for the Middle. Among the conclusions are that the range of housing for middle income earners, such as teacher, nurses and social workers, is dwindling.

According to one recent report, from September 2019 to February 2020, the average home in Mississauga sold for $723,000, while the average estimated value for Mississauga homes as of April 2021 is $905,722, an increase of 23 per cent.

This makes the purchase of a home out of reach for most working families. Affordable rental properties are also difficult to come by.

The new study will look at ways to increase housing diversity by permitting up to two additional residential units such as garden suites or garage conversions on lots with a single detached, semi-detached or rowhouse.

Community members will be encouraged to provide input and feedback on both the opportunities and challenges associated with gentle intensification in Mississauga’s neighbourhoods. Community engagement sessions are planned for the spring and fall.

To learn more about the study, visit Have Your Say: Increasing Housing Choices in Neighbourhoods.