Thu Sep 19 08:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Toronto’s Narrowest Street Sparks Garden Suite Debate

**Toronto, ON** – Residents of Craven Road, one of Toronto’s narrowest streets, are facing a potential change to their neighbourhood as the city considers amending local zoning bylaws to disallow garden suites.

Craven Road, just four metres wide, is situated between tiny historic homes on one side and the backyards of Parkmount Road properties on the other. Garden suites, which are self-contained living accommodations built in backyards, are typically allowed in areas with “garden-to-garden” residences, where suites face other backyards.

However, local councillor Paula Fletcher has proposed reviewing the zoning for Craven Road, arguing that its narrow width and unique configuration make it unsuitable for garden suites. She acknowledged that while the city’s garden suite bylaw was intended for garden-to-garden situations, Craven Road might be a rare exception.

Rebecca Rutledge, a Parkmount Road resident, expressed disappointment at the potential change, as she and her neighbours had hoped to build garden suites in their backyards. “We were kind of sold the dream,” she said. “That was kind of our long-term vision, but with this kind of change to the neighbourhood, we won’t be able to fulfill that.”

Meanwhile, some residents of Craven Road have voiced their opposition to the construction of garden suites in front of their homes.

The city will be holding public consultations on September 19th to gather feedback on the proposed zoning amendments. The outcome of these consultations will ultimately decide the fate of garden suites on Craven Road.

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