Pillar 2: Missing Middle Housing
The second pillar focuses on recommendations that support the development of missing middle housing in Hamlet Areas while preserving their existing character.
The benefits of supporting missing middle housing include:
- the option for young people to live and work in their community and to ensure our youth have places to live that they can afford.
- housing options for seniors that are attainable and allow them to remain in their community.
- a chance to support the character that makes each community unique.
Click on each recommendation for details on progress to-date, next steps, and estimated timelines.
MOC’s current development agreement process requires developments to be “compatible” with local community character. However, the term “compatible” is vague and open to interpretation. By establishing a detailed Design Guideline document, MOC can provide greater clarity and consistency in the approval process. A Municipal Design Guideline document for higher-density residential development will help ensure that both the public and developers have a clear understanding of what is expected for new residential developments. These guidelines can be referenced in development agreements and serve as a framework for guiding design requirements in as-of-right or site plan approval processes.
| Progress Update | Next Steps | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Consideration of a Municipal Design Guideline will be included in the upcoming Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use By-Law (LUB) review. | Work on this recommendation has been included in the upcoming 10-year review of the Land Use By-Law and Municipal Planning Strategy scheduled for 2030. | Long Term (2030) |
Introducing design requirements to developments regulated by the site plan approval process can help new developments align with the existing community character, contributing to a more attractive and cohesive residential neighbourhood.
| Progress Update | Next Steps | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Consideration of design requirements for site plan approvals will be included in the upcoming Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Land Use By-Law (LUB) review. | Work on this recommendation has been included in the upcoming 10-year review of the Land Use By-Law and Municipal Planning Strategy scheduled for 2030. | Long Term (2030) |
It is not recommended that MOC increase the allowable density through as-of-right or site plan approval processes until areas within the Municipality are serviced by both municipal sewer and water service. If and when sewer and water service is provided in areas that are well-suited for higher density growth (such as Hamlets and Highway 103 exits), MOC could increase the Number of Units Permitted by Site Plan Approval and provide predictable design requirements for higher density residential developments.
| Progress Update | Next Steps | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| It is recommended that this be included in the next review of the Municipal Planning Strategy and only enabled for areas with both municipal sewer and water service. | Work on this recommendation has been included in the upcoming 10-year review of the Land Use By-Law and Municipal Planning Strategy scheduled for 2030. | Long Term and dependent on available servicing infrastructure |
