March 2022
Toronto has adopted zoning bylaw amendments removing requirements for new developments to provide a minimum number of parking spaces.
The minimum number of parking spaces in a development has been on the decline for decades as more people choose not to own a vehicle. Recent information supports this trend. Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) data shows that 33 percent of parking stalls in new condo projects were left unsold, with this number reaching 90 percent in some communities.
Developers are no longer required to build parking spaces homebuyers don’t want. Residents without a car will be able to purchase a home and not be forced to unnecessarily pay for parking space. The expectation is that residents will increase their use of alternate transit.
The change is consistent with other recent measures. The city and region are improving public transit, building subways and creating transit-only corridors. They are narrowing roadways, adding bicycle lanes, and creating more space for walking, sitting and outdoor dining.
How high-rise communities deal with this information remains unclear. Many will find they have excess parking that will become vast unused spaces unless repurposed for other uses. There will be greater demand for secure bicycle storage and easy access. More space may be needed for ride hailing service pick up and delivery.
