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Diverse metropolis: Affordable housing zones

Last updated October 30, 2024
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The By-law for a Diverse Metropolis includes affordable housing requirements in certain areas, called affordable housing zones. These zones are created as the Master Plan evolves.

The affordable housing requirements of the by-law are concentrated in areas where the Master Plan is amended to increase the buildable potential. The economies of scale and value created offset the cost of the affordable housing to be developed. 

According to the guidelines for implementation of the by-law, when residential density increases by 20 per cent or more in an area, affordable housing requirements will increase. New affordable housing zones will then be added.

Public consultation 

The law states that a public meeting must be held before a new affordable housing zone can be added to the by-law. This consultation follows the one already conducted, either by the borough concerned or by the OCPM, related to the amendment of the Master Plan for the area.

ArticlePublic consultations: Affordable housing zones

Two categories of zones

The by-law defines two types of zones: Affordable zones 1 and 2. These zones are established according to the scope of the Master Plan amendment that creates them. The required contribution corresponds to a percentage of the project, based on its residential area.

Affordable zone 1
Requirement: 10 per cent of the project

Increase in buildable residential area between 20 and 40 per cent

Affordable zone 2
Requirement: 20 per cent of the project

Increase in buildable residential area of over 40 per cent

Affordable zone 2
Requirement: 20 per cent of the project

Change of use to allow residential component

Current zones

Learn about the affordable housing zones that are currently part of the by-law.

View the map

Outside these affordable housing zones mentioned in the by-law, only projects with an area greater than 4,500 m2 are subject to the affordable housing contribution. This contribution is a financial contribution calculated based on the residential area greater than 4,500 m2.

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