Toronto couple says duplex approval will affect their home

An elderly Toronto couple says they are facing major disruption after the city approved a fourstorey duplex next to their Victorian home. Bill and Carol Martin say the new building will block a window, make their fireplaces unusable, and reduce privacy at their Strachan Avenue property. The dispute comes as Toronto continues to expand multiplex housing in residential neighbourhoods to help meet its housing targets. City records show thousands of multiplex units have already been completed or are underway, with more projects approved under rules that allow up to four units without rezoning. The Martins say they missed the short appeal window while dealing with a family illness. The neighbouring property owner says the project follows the rules, while experts quoted in the story say cases like this highlight the tension between adding housing density and protecting nearby homeowners. Real estate professionals also say homes beside new multiplexes can lose value.