Diverse metropolis: An overview of the by-law

Last updated April 13, 2026
Reading time: 2 min

Effective April 1, 2026, the By-law for a Diverse Metropolis (20-041) was amended. The key points to remember are as follows.

Threshold of 18,000 square metres

Anyone who is developing a project with a residential floor area greater than 18,000 m² must reach an agreement with the city aimed at contributing to the supply of:

  • off-market housing, that is off-market social and affordable housing.
  • family housing.

This obligation applies to new constructions and building conversions.

Definitions: Types of dwellings

Social housing

Any dwelling owned by a non-profit organization, a housing cooperative, a government, a paramunicipal corporation, a public educational institution or university, or a social trust, and geared toward people with special housing needs or low- and modest-income households.

Social housing is generally constructed within the framework of government subsidy programs, but can also be completed outside of these programs.

Off-market affordable housing

Distinct from social housing, this type of housing meets one or more of the following conditions:

  • It is owned by a non-profit organization, a cooperative, a government, a paramunicipal corporation, a public educational institution or a university, or a social trust, in accordance with the conditions set out in the by-law.
  • It is financed by a government, the city or one of their representatives, or completed as part of a program offering affordable property for sale and calling for resale price controls for a minimum period of 20 years.

Family housing

Includes at least 3 bedrooms, with a minimum floor area of 86 m² or 96 m², depending on the area.

Exemption from the by-law

Projects completed under government-run affordable housing programs over a minimum period of 20 years may be exempt from the application of the by-law.

Until December 31, 2026, all office conversions into residential dwellings in Area 1, corresponding roughly to downtown, will also be exempt from the application of the by-law.

For further details, please contact the Service de l’habitation at [email protected]

Developer’s contribution

It varies based on the scope and location of the project and can take various forms, including:

  • Construction of social housing, off-market affordable housing, and family housing as part of a turnkey or design-build project.
  • Transfer of land or a building to the city in exchange for a financial contribution.
  • Financial contribution.

Diverse metropolis: Ways to contribute

Do you have a project?

For any residential real estate project, you must visit the permit counter in the borough where the project will be created. The permit counter staff will help you with the procedures and answer your questions.

To begin the project, complete the project sheet.

The project sheet is required for all permit applications for projects involving the addition of at least one dwelling.

Online service

Would you like to know which requirements apply to your project?
Find out how to use our contribution calculation tool.