Neighbourhood Intensification Research

Neighbourhood Intensification research examines the potential for intensification in Toronto’s Neighbourhoods, as part of the Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) initiative. Through spatial analysis and a Neighbourhood Typology model, this research estimates the maximum potential and annual unit yield for the first phase of EHON priority projects citywide to 2051 (Laneway Suites, Garden Suites, Multiplexes, and Major Streets projects as approved in 2024).

Research shows that by 2051, the uptake of citywide residential EHON initiatives will be about 163,785 units.

For more information, see the Neighbourhood Intensification Summary for highlights and the full Neighbourhood Intensification Bulletin for detailed research findings and appendices. Estimates are also available on Open Data by Ward and EHON initiative.

Select the below image to open the summary PDF. Summary is designed for two page view.

: Preview image of the Neighbourhood Intensification Summary. The document is a 2 page spread with summary text and illustrative graphics. Please view the accessible PDF for more details.

Council Considerations and Decisions

Reports

  • 2025 – Neighbourhood Intensification Bulletin
    • The Neighbourhood Intensification Bulletin studies the potential for new housing in Toronto’s Neighbourhoods, as part of the Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) initiative.
    • The Bulletin models and reports on the maximum citywide potential and estimated uptake to 2051 for EHON initiatives recently adopted by Toronto City Council: Laneway Suites, Garden Suites, Multiplexes, and Major Streets projects. See below for visual examples of each initiative.
    • These estimates quantify how EHON initiatives can contribute to Toronto’s housing goals, including the Housing Action Plan and the Municipal Housing Target.
  • 2021 – Neighbourhood Change and Intensification Bulletin
    • Toronto’s history of growth and amalgamation have created a broad diversity of neighbourhood types, densities and residential zoning categories. This bulletin examines the characteristics and current intensification of Toronto’s Neighbourhoods to better understand the existing conditions and potential changes that could occur with increased as-of-right permissions for ground-oriented units.

Related Research

  • 2024 – Housing Occupancy Trends
    • This study is about past housing demand patterns using the 2001, 2006, 2016 and 2021 Census and the 2011 National Household Survey.
  • 2021 – Right-Sizing Housing and Generational Turnover
    • The Right-Sizing Housing and Generational Turnover bulletin examines housing suitability, right-sizing, turnover, and downsizing in Toronto. This bulletin estimates how much new housing stock may be needed in the future if recent trends continue, and how much additional population could be housed in older generations’ dwellings when those dwellings turn over to younger generation households.