Study Overview

The Increasing Housing Choices in Neighbourhoods (IHCN) study is a multi-phased project launched in 2021 that is helping to introduce more housing options to Mississauga neighbourhoods. Introducing more housing options in low-rise neighbourhoods – or “gentle density” – can help:

  • Give residents more housing choices in the neighbourhoods they want to live in.
  • Support residents as they move through different life stages.
  • Revive neighbourhoods with population decline by bringing more people and homes to areas with parks, schools, community centres and libraries already in place.


The IHCN study is an important part of the City’s Housing Action Plan to get more homes built. As the study moves forward, there will opportunities for public feedback to provide input to the project team.


New Housing Options Introduced

Here is an overview of the new housing options that have been studied and introduced so far:

  1. Additional Residential Units: The City’s engagement for ARUs – homes such as triplexes, garden suites, garage conversions and laneways suites is now complete. On October 23, 2023, Mississauga’s Planning and Development Committee approved the recommendations for the City’s new zoning and official plan rules to allow up to three residential units on one lot. It also outlines the right lot size for one or two-storey ARUs and gives direction on their size and height. Learn more about ARUs including the City’s pre-approved plans for garden suites.
  2. Fourplexes: New zoning and official plan rules to allow residents to build four units on low-rise residential lots is now complete. On November 29, 2023, Mississauga’s Planning and Development Committee approved the recommendations for the City’s new zoning and official plan rules to allow up to four residential units on one lot. Learn more about fourplexes.


Housing Options Under Review

The City is continuing to studying other ways to increase housing choices. These include:

  1. Semi-detached homes and smaller lots: The City is working on a project to update the number of residential zones in Mississauga. The goal of the Neighbourhood Zoning Review project is to expand low-rise housing options by removing barriers for semi-detached homes and houses on smaller lots. On October 23, 2023, City staff presented an information report outlining best practices and analysis. Staff will be consulting with the public on the project in fall 2024, and are working towards final recommendations in late 2024.
  2. Multiplexes: The City will also be reviewing how to permit multiplexes (more than four units) across Mississauga. As part of the review staff will consider conducting public engagement and consultation with the City’s Housing Panel.
  3. Community Land Trust: One of the options currently being explored is a Community Land Trust, which would bring land out of the market and into a trust. A non-profit organization would manage the land and create affordable housing among other initiatives such as urban agriculture, community spaces, and green spaces.