Missing Middle Housing can solve Burlington's housing crisis while preserving what makes our city special.
Of renters spend more than 30% of income on housing
People on waitlists for affordable housing in Halton
Increase in unsheltered homelessness since 2018
The average young family would need to save for 18 years to afford a down payment on a typical Burlington home.
27% of seniors living alone are in core housing need, unable to afford suitable accommodation.
Diverse housing types that fit seamlessly into existing neighborhoods while providing more affordable options.
Burlington's zoning laws prohibit anything but single-family homes on most residential land, artificially limiting housing supply and driving up prices.
Allow property owners to build duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in neighborhoods currently restricted to only single-family homes.
This approach increases density gradually while preserving neighborhood character and creating more affordable housing options.
Burlington's current zoning laws restrict over 80% of residential land to single-family homes only. This artificial scarcity drives up housing costs and prevents the creation of diverse, affordable housing options that would allow people of all ages and incomes to live in our community.
By allowing missing middle housing types like duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, we can create more homes while preserving neighborhood character and increasing housing affordability for everyone.
Cities with more medium-density zoning have better housing affordability and construction rates.
Adjust the sliders to see how missing middle housing could help solve Burlington's housing crisis.
Note: Even with moderate adoption, missing middle housing could make a significant dent in Burlington's housing shortage.
This approach offers multiple advantages over both status quo and high-density solutions.
Smaller units in multi-plex buildings are naturally more affordable than single-family homes.
Allows people of different ages, incomes, and family types to live in the same neighborhoods.
Preserves the scale and feel of existing neighborhoods while gently increasing density.
Gives homeowners more options to use their property as they see fit.
Missing middle housing is a practical, effective solution that benefits everyone.