Lessons for #BurlON: Toronto introduces larger units, family friendly amenities in multi-unit developments

Analysis & Opinion - With the cost of housing in Burlington escalating out of reach for most first-time home buyers, and our schools experiencing declining student populations, we know we need to attract more families and provide affordable options.Development in town is increasingly trending toward multi-unit, including townhouses, mid- or high-rises.But what we've seen in both approved and pending applications is a trend toward tiny units - one and two bedrooms - which caters mostly to investors or empty nesters. We can't miss the opportunity as development applications come forward to address both housing affordability and family needs. We must insist on more diversity in housing options, including large family size units in multi-unit projects at an affordable price with on-site family amenities. On larger sites - like the proposed development at 2100 Brant Street - there is even an opportunity for some single family units with a yard.Statistics Canada has just released data showing that 1 in 5 families in Toronto now live in condos - driven by price as well as convenience. Toronto developers are responding with family friendly units and amenities.Toronto trends eventually reach us (consider rising house prices), so we need to be prepared.There are lessons for Burlington in the Toronto experience. Read more in the articles below.Star: how-new-condos-are-trying-to-get-the-stroller-out-of-the-bathtubHume:a-radical-concept-in-toronto-a-condo-designed-for-residentsCTV News: toronto-condo-boom-causing-overcrowding-in-schools