After nearly a decade, the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) is pleased the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) has released its final order regarding amendments to the residential provisions of the Toronto Citywide Zoning Bylaw 569-2013.
Originally passed in 2010, the bylaw sought to harmonize approaches across the amalgamated Toronto regions, but was repealed in May 2011, pending a need for consultation and amendments. The OAA?s Harmonized Zoning Bylaw Task Group, comprising architects whose practices represented new construction and renovation work for diverse clients across Toronto neighbourhoods, pushed for meaningful change to the flaws inherent in the law. A new version was released in 2013, however, after several OAA recommendations remained absent, the Association filed an appeal. The long-awaited decision came just days after the passage of the contentious Bill 23, More Housing Built Faster Act, and, for its part, can contribute to housing affordability in Toronto. Affordability, housing choice, and character preservation are key issues underpinning the suggested amendments tabled by the Association, which regulates architecture to protect the public interest.
The OAA Task Force was focused on encouraging the amendment of the bylaw to foster the goals of Toronto?s official plan of ensuring housing choices are available for all people in their communities at all stages of their lives, while respecting and reinforcing  the character of neighborhoods. Per a March 20...