As Mississauga intensifies its efforts to diversify housing options and revitalize aging neighbourhoods, students from Sheridan College are stepping up to showcase the future of low-rise multi-unit living. Through a unique academic partnership with the City, students in the Architectural Technology program have been designing innovative fourplex concepts that could reshape residential development throughout Mississauga.

Currently, single detached homes make up approximately 70 per cent of the city’s housing stock, creating the need for more inclusive, flexible housing forms. Fourplexes—low-rise buildings containing four separate units—are emerging as a key solution to meet growing housing demand while preserving neighbourhood character.

Although fourplexes exist in select areas like Port Credit, they remain rare citywide. despite recent zoning reforms now permitting semi-detached homes; up to three residential units per lot (including basement apartments and garden suites); and fourplexes. Sheridan students are helping change that by bringing fresh perspectives and design innovation the table. Since January, they have been applying data analysis, architectural drawing tools, and imaginative storytelling to develop fourplex designs tailored to Mississauga’s diverse communities. Over a 14-week course, they:

• Designed fourplexes for 30 different locations across the city.
• Created architectural floorplans, sections, and renderings.
• Illustrated resident stories to explore how shared living can balance privacy and community.
• Integrated designs into existing neighbourhoods with sensitivity to scale and aesthetics.

For more on Mississauga’s academic partnership program, visit: mississauga.ca/fourplex.