To date a total of 102 preliminary project review applications and 36 minor variance applications have been submitted to construct Laneway Suites.

A total of 12 building permits for laneway suites have been issued and 25 additional building permit applications are in the review process.

I'm part of an informal neighbourhood group near Dufferin and Bloor that's been talking about laneway housing. Despite the great hopes for intensifying this neighbourhood (and also allowing old people to stay in what used to be called "granny flats") it turns out that -- on my block -- only 2 of the 55 houses (most with very big backyards and wide laneways) can get a laneway house building permit. This is not because of the zoning nor the building code nor the laneway bylaw, but because the fire prevention chief has decided to make extra-special fire-services access requirements that are more stringent that those applying to our houses.

Please let me know if this problem will be discussable at the April 20 Metro Hall housing issues meeting.

Thank you for this important input. This issue will not be specifically addressed in the formal presentation part of the City consultation at Metro Hall on April 30th, however in the various stations you and your neighbours are more than welcome to raise this and other barriers that you are encountering to intensify and provide alternative housing options in your neighbourhood. All of the comments will be captured and be part of our input into the plan.

I would encourage you and your informal group to perhaps also send us an email to this address if you want to provide more details on barriers you are encountering. It is important to hear of all of the road blocks residents are encountering and take it back to try and rectify them at the City.