Educational Resources
Canada
Unlocking the Missing Middle: Proven Practices for Affordable, Higher-Density Housing
The School of Cities, University of Toronto, presents a comprehensive report on enabling “Missing Middle” (MM) housing development—a key solution to Canada’s housing affordability and density challenges. This report explores proven and promising practices from Canada, the U.S., and New Zealand, offering actionable insights to overcome barriers and enhance reforms for MM housing.
What is Missing Middle Housing?
MM housing bridges the gap between single-family homes and high-rise buildings, encompassing:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Small detached or attached homes.
- Multiplexes: Multi-unit conversions of existing homes or purpose-built flats.
- Small Apartment Buildings: Developments up to four storeys, often on a single lot.
Designed for households earning 51–120% of the area median household income (AMHI), MM also includes affordable options for low-income households through ADUs, rooming houses, and nonmarket housing. MM housing was once a staple of North American cities, offering compact, diverse housing types in central, well-serviced locations before exclusionary zoning and gentrification limited its availability.
Why Missing Middle Housing Matters
The benefits of MM housing are transformative:
- Affordability: Smaller homes at moderate price points.
- Diversity: A range of home sizes, from studio ADUs to four-bedroom apartments.
- Accessibility: Proximity to public transit, amenities, and employment hubs.
- Sustainability: Energy-efficient designs and reduced travel distances.
The Road Ahead
The report outlines barriers to MM development—legislative, administrative, and financial—and identifies enablers to support its growth. Drawing from case studies in Auckland and other cities, it demonstrates how increasing MM housing supply can reduce housing costs and improve access for low-income tenants.
