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Lanescape presents its first ever live panel discussion on everything garden suite related. On this live stream, our co-founder, Craig Race and a group of panelists from the planning department of the City of Toronto answer questions about this exciting new housing typology. We discuss all things garden suites and the realities, challenges and opportunities involved.

We welcome David Driedger, Allison Reid, and Graig Uens.

Stay tuned for more garden suite updates! In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for upcoming events, policy information, and projects.

Lanescape presents its sixth episode of the laneway suite video series. Our co-founder Craig Race discusses the history of laneway suite living, which had been going on for over a century in Toronto. Here we get to learn a bit about where this unique housing typology emerged from and how it can be a precedent for alternative future developments like garden suites and coach houses.

Stay tuned for laneway suite videos covering a wide range of topics surrounding the new typology. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for upcoming events, policy information, and project updates.

If you own a property in Toronto that does not abut a publicly designated laneway, you may soon be able to develop a secondary dwelling. Not to be mistaken with laneway suites, garden suites are detached structures located in the rear yard of a traditional street-facing residence that does not abut a public laneway. They are intended to be modest-scale separate housing units that integrate sensitively within existing residential neighbourhoods.

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What should I look for when purchasing a property with laneway suite potential?

Real estate waits for no one in today’s heated market. In a climate where a home can be listed, offered on, and sold in a matter of hours, it can sometimes be difficult to do adequate due diligence before making a purchase. Knowing the high-level requirements for laneway development can streamline your process and put you in the best position for a successful investment. Our team has outlined five key criteria for narrowing down your list of potential properties, so you have confidence in your purchase well before you make an offer.

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A common misconception is that basements are not permitted in laneway suites, or that they are limited to unfinished space dedicated to storage or utilities.

Fact: a fully excavated basement level is fully permitted within the current as-of-right zoning by-laws and can be much more than just a place to put your hockey bags and golf clubs.

Basements are a great option on properties that offer limited depth for a reasonably sized above-grade unit and can provide the opportunity to move items like laundry, mechanical space and other infrastructural pieces below grade to alleviate valuable area in the floors above.

While building below grade can significantly increase the usable space in your suite, it does come at a substantial cost. That said, there is always a right time, place, and application for building downward.

 

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