The Urban Planner Behind Toronto's Missing Middle Movement ft. Blair Scorgie | BLD Podcast Ep. 31

"I watched most of my generation get priced out of Toronto and I took it personally." What happens when an urban planner decides the housing system needs to change? In this episode of the BLD Financial Podcast, Josh Findlay and Ehren Laycock sit down with Blair Scorgie, Managing Principal of Scorgie Planning, instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University, and one of the leading voices behind Toronto's Missing Middle movement. From laneway suites and multiplexes to transition zones, sixplexes, and major street intensification, Blair shares how many of Toronto's housing reforms went from idea to reality—and what still needs to happen to make housing more attainable. The conversation explores the evolution of housing policy in Toronto, why so many neighbourhoods have remained locked in time, how the Missing Middle movement gained traction, and where the next opportunities for housing development may emerge. Whether you're a real estate investor, developer, planner, lender, or simply interested in the future of housing in Canada, this episode provides valuable insight into the policies, politics, and practical realities shaping our cities. What you'll learn: ✅ Why Toronto's neighborhoods remained resistant to density for decades ✅ How the Missing Middle movement helped reshape housing policy ✅ The real story behind laneway suites, garden suites, and multiplexes ✅ Why transition zones may be the next frontier for housing development ✅ How the condo market slowdown accelerated Missing Middle opportunities ✅ Why developers are shifting from for-sale projects to rental housing ✅ The biggest planning and approval bottlenecks facing builders today ✅ How legacy zoning regulations continue to impact development ✅ What reforms are still needed to increase housing supply ✅ Why planners should be involved before purchasing development land Note: This episode was recorded prior to certain municipal planning and zoning updates discussed in the conversation. Some timelines and policy processes may have evolved since recording. References to an April statutory public meeting are no longer current, as that meeting did not occur and is now expected to appear on a future agenda. About Blair Scorgie: Blair Scorgie is the Managing Principal of Scorgie Planning, a Toronto-based planning and urban design consultancy. He is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP), Urban Designer, and Sessional Lecturer at Toronto Metropolitan University's School of Urban and Regional Planning, with more than 15 years of consulting experience in land use planning, urban design, development approvals, and housing policy. Blair holds a Master of Architecture (Urban Design) from McGill University and a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University. His work spans development planning, zoning and policy reform, urban design, and housing delivery across the Greater Toronto Area. He is a contributing author of House Divided, an anthology focused on addressing Toronto's housing crisis, as well as a contributor to several housing and planning research initiatives focused on unlocking new housing opportunities and reducing barriers to development. His work has been featured in major publications including The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, CBC News, Global News, CityNews, and Spacing Magazine. Follow & Connect with Blair Scorgie: Website: https://scorgieplanning.com LinkedIn:   / blair-scorgie   Instagram -   / brscorgie   Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren: Instagram -   / bldfinancial   Facebook -   / bldfinancial   YouTube - @bldfinancial Listen to the BLD Financial Podcast on your favorite Podcast Streaming Service: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3M2qJk6... Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/191... DLC National License: 12360 00:00 Meet Blair Scorgie 03:58 How Toronto's Housing Reform Movement Started 08:30 Why He Took Housing Affordability Personally 09:57 The Missing Middle Movement Explained 16:39 Why Missing Middle Is Taking Off Right Now 23:10 The Shift From Condos To Rental Housing 26:55 What's Next For Toronto Housing Policy 29:18 The Future Of Laneway Commercial Uses 34:42 The Financing Challenges Behind Mixed-Use Projects 37:46 The Biggest Bottlenecks Still Facing Developers 42:56 Understanding Minor Variances & Zoning Approvals 51:27 When Developers Should Hire A Planner 59:52 How To Connect With Blair Scorgie #MissingMiddle #TorontoRealEstate #HousingDevelopment