Accessory Dwelling Units: A Tool for Ontario's Housing Crisis That Is Responsive and Gentle, but Hesitantly Adopted

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a potential policy option to increase housing supply as Ontario grapples with its housing crisis. Historically, this form of housing is uniquely adaptable, affordable, and low impact. An analysis of the history of ADUs, their significance, and their benefits and potential barriers as a policy option is provided. The Ontario government has progressively permitted more ADUs in what were traditionally single detached neighbourhoods. Most municipalities in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area have been slow to implement these changes in their Official Plans and zoning bylaws. This disregard for provincial policy highlights municipal resistance to allowing more housing in previously established single detached neighbourhoods. This paper argues that more permissive ADU regulations are a relatively gentle tool to address the housing crisis, and municipalities should proactively adopt policies that allow efficient, affordable development.