On August 15, 2025, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing gave the green light—with major modifications—to the City of Toronto’s Official Plan Amendments (OPAs) affecting over 120 Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) and Protected Major Transit Station Areas (PMTSAs). The goal? Enable the creation of 1.5 million new homes near key transit hubs over the next 25 years.
At a time when Toronto’s housing market is grappling with affordability and inventory challenges, this announcement could be the catalyst for the next real estate boom.
🏙️ What Did the Province Approve?
The newly modified OPAs—specifically Amendments 524, 537, 540, 544, 570, and 575—introduce sweeping changes, including:
✅ Zoning for Higher Densities
- Minimum FSI of 8 within 200m of a transit station
- Minimum FSI of 6 within 200–500m
🏢 As-of-Right Building Heights
- Up to 30 storeys permitted within 200m of transit
- Up to 20 storeys within 500m
🏘️ Gentle Density Legalized
- Multiplexes and low-rise apartments up to 6 storeys allowed near major streets and stations
- No need for additional official plan amendments
🌳 Environmental Protections Maintained
- Watersheds, floodplains, and natural features will still be off-limits to development
📆 One-Year Clock Is Ticking
The City must bring zoning bylaws into alignment by August 2026 to lock in appeal protections and move projects forward.
🏦 What This Means for Private Mortgage Lenders & Real Estate Investors
These changes signal one thing clearly: Toronto is being primed for rapid infill development around transit. And Lendworth Canada is ready to finance it.
Here’s why this is a game-changer for investors, developers, and property owners:
🔑 1. Zoning Certainty
Height, density, and unit counts are now clearer and more predictable—removing friction for construction financing.
💸 2. Equity Unlocking Potential
Owners of underutilized land near transit stations may now qualify for higher LTVs based on future density potential.
🧱 3. Development-Backed Lending
With higher density allowed by right, Lendworth can underwrite value-add loans, land assembly loans, and bridge financing based on as-zoned potential—not just current use.
💹 4. Attractive Yields for Investors
Lendworth’s Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) targets 9%+ annual returns, backed by Toronto residential real estate with conservative loan-to-value ratios.
📍 High-Density Hotspots to Watch
Lendworth is tracking PMTSA areas surrounding:
- East Harbour Station
- Yonge-Steeles
- Scarborough Town Centre
- Gerrard-Carlaw
- Finch West
- And many more pending approvals
These zones are set to become Toronto’s next infill battlegrounds—and early capital will win.
🚀 Whether You're a Builder or a Backer, Lendworth Has the Tools
✔️ Equity-Based Lending – No income or credit score required
✔️ Fast Closings – Fund land or redevelopment within days
✔️ RRSP/TFSA Eligible Investments – Put registered funds to work
✔️ MIC Returns – Earn passive income through secure, asset-backed mortgages
💬 Final Word
As Toronto prepares for 1.5 million new homes, the real estate landscape is transforming—block by block, station by station.
Whether you want to leverage your property, break ground on a new project, or earn income by funding the future, Lendworth Canada is your trusted lending partner.
📞 Call us at 905-597-1225
🌐 Visit www.lendworth.ca
📧 Email info@lendworth.ca