How Cities Keep Screwing up Multiplex Housing

The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux

Why aren’t we seeing more multiplexes in Canadian cities—even after zoning reforms? In this episode of The Missing Middle, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt dig into the surprising roadblocks holding back infill housing. From bizarre bedroom caps to height limits that make 10-plexes impossible, they unpack how cities say "yes" to housing... and then quietly say "no." They call out the red tape, NIMBY politics, and why it might be time for provinces to take the wheel. If you're wondering why the housing crisis isn’t getting better, this one’s for you. (Full disclosure: This episode was recorded on Friday June 18th, before the Toronto city council watered down sixplex legalization, but the conversation remains entirely relevant.)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:51 Push-back to multi-unit buildings

03:46 Bedroom limits

06:07 Ron Butler episode

06:34 The rooming-house factor

08:14 Height restrictions and Ottawa story

10:40 Restrictions make good architecture difficult

12:13 Infil is always harder so restrictions make that even worse

14:02 Solutions

research/links:

Edmonton Zoning Bylaw Renewal

City staff recommend permitting sixplexes in residential areas

City staff recommend allowing sixplexes across all Toronto neighbourhoods

Reddit discussion on the above 👆

Toronto city council waters down proposed sixplex legalization, limiting changes to certain neighbourhoods

Toronto wrangles with a simple question: What is a multiplex?

We recommend you read the City Hall Watcher Substack by Matt Elliott

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux

Produced by Meredith Martin

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.