Backyard Battle: Garden Suites Spark Privacy Debate in East York
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New city planning rules allowing detached backyard units are increasing density but drawing fire from residents over light and privacy.
A dispute in the Danforth-Greenwood area of East York is highlighting the friction between Toronto's housing density goals and residential privacy. Sandy Chambers, a homeowner, has launched a campaign and an online petition—which has garnered approximately 80 signatures—calling for garden suites to be limited to one storey.
According to CBC Toronto, Chambers discovered a two-storey, six-metre-high building with a picture window looming over her back fence after returning from a vacation this past summer. Her neighbor, Rosanna Manarin, who has lived in her home for 25 years, told CBC Toronto that the new build acts as a "watchtower," limiting her light and privacy.
These structures are permitted under updated 2022 city planning rules designed to address the housing crunch through "gentle infill housing." As reported by CBC Toronto, garden suites are self-contained, detached units not connected to a public lane. Under current rules, property owners only need a building permit rather than a zoning change, provided no variances are required. This process removes the opportunity for public input.
City data cited by CBC Toronto shows a significant increase in adoption: only 34 permits were issued in 2022, but that number rose to 361 by 2025. City staff report that 627 suites have been built, with another 755 currently under construction.
While real estate broker Justin Bregman told CBC Toronto that such builds can be a "turn off" for buyers and impact resale value, legal perspectives differ. Real estate lawyer Bob Aaron told CBC Toronto that Canadian law provides no right to privacy from neighboring properties, describing such dynamics as "the joy of urban living."
In an email to CBC Toronto, city staff stated that while concerns regarding sunlight and privacy are "understandable," they do not provide a basis to withhold a building permit if the project adheres to the provincial building code.