Ontario ADU Grants & Loans by Municipality (2026)

County of Simcoe — Secondary Suites Program

Simcoe County (incl. Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, Innisfil, Bradford, Midland + others) · Accepting applications while funding lasts

Amount

Up to $50,000 per unit

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

Secondary suites and garden suites

Rent Requirement

Yes — at or below CMHC average market rent (utilities included) for 15 years; tenant income limits apply

Commitment Period

15 years

Notes

A 15-year forgivable loan of up to $50,000 to build a secondary or garden suite rented at or below CMHC average market rent; up to $5,000 of it is a non-repayable accessibility grant. Year-round intake, first-come first-served, and the County may place you on a waiting list when the year's funding is spoken for. Secured on title and forgiven in equal steps over 15 years; no payments or interest. Construction must start within 90 days of the loan agreement. Up to six suites per applicant on the County-funded stream. Check funding availability before you order.

IAH@simcoe.ca | 705-735-6901 x1360

Checked October 5, 2026

District of Muskoka — Muskoka Affordable Housing Initiatives Program (MAHIP) — ARU funding

Muskoka · Applications for the 2027 program open until Jan 8, 2027

Amount

Up to $50,000 (15-year affordability) or $40,000 (10-year)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

Basement apartments, home additions, apartments over garages, backyard or garden suites

Rent Requirement

Yes — rent at or below the District's approved rent level to a household within its income limits, for 10 years ($40,000) or 15 years ($50,000)

Commitment Period

15 years

Deadline

Applications for the 2027 program open until Jan 8, 2027

Notes

District funding of $40,000 for a new ARU kept affordable for 10 years, or $50,000 for 15 years, open to homeowners as well as builders. The District's page describes the money as funding with no repayment mentioned; ask whether an agreement is registered on title. The same page runs a separate Capital Incentive Funding Program for NEW rental housing (non-profits, builders and developers): $15,000 to $100,000 per unit on 7- to 25-year affordability terms, same January 8, 2027 window. Applies across the District: Bracebridge, Huntsville, Gravenhurst, Lake of Bays and the other Muskoka municipalities.

affordablehousing@muskoka.on.ca | 705-645-2100 x4410

Checked October 6, 2026

County of Bruce — Affordable Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Funding Program

Bruce County · Applications reviewed continuously until funding is fully committed

Amount

Up to 75% of construction cost, to $50,000 (10-year forgivable loan)

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

An ARU attached to or within a single-family home, or in an accessory or standalone building, including a garage apartment or standalone garden suite

Rent Requirement

Yes — rent at or below CMHC average market rent for Bruce County ($1,254 one-bedroom, $1,783 two-bedroom, June 2026) to a household at or below the 60th income percentile (under $68,400); owner lives in the home as sole principal residence

Commitment Period

10 years

Deadline

Applications reviewed continuously until funding is fully committed

Notes

Bruce County lends up to $50,000 (75% of cost) toward a new rental ARU, including a backyard garden suite, forgiven in equal steps over 10 years if you rent it at or below average market rent to a household under $68,400. "Applications are being reviewed on a continuous basis until available funding has been fully committed" (County page, Oct 2026). Loan registered on title; forgiveness starts at project completion; the County discharges the title at its expense. Needs municipal zoning verification, site plan, budget, proof of income, insurance, taxes and mortgage current. Earlier County wording said "limited funding available; limited application windows". Covers Bruce County member municipalities; add their slugs as they are confirmed.

Bruce County Housing Concierge | housingconcierge@brucecounty.on.ca | 1-800-265-3005

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Waterloo — Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Grant

Waterloo Region · Construction must not have started when you apply; 120 days to get a permit, one year to occupy

Amount

Up to $30,000 detached / $20,000 interior (50% of project cost)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

Detached ARUs (coach or laneway house) and interior ARUs

Rent Requirement

Yes — rent, including utilities, at or below 80% of CMHC average market rent for Waterloo Region for at least 5 years; tenant income limits apply

Commitment Period

5 years

Deadline

Construction must not have started when you apply; 120 days to get a permit, one year to occupy

Notes

A matching grant of 50% of project costs, to $30,000 for a detached unit or $20,000 for an interior one, paid after completion when the unit is rented at 80% of average market rent for 5 years. Housing Accelerator Fund money, first-come first-served until the budget runs out; the City may prioritize family-sized, accessible or more affordable units. Apply before construction starts. A residential rental licence is required before renting. The Region's Ontario Renovates loan (up to $25,000) is a separate program; ask the City about stacking.

City of Waterloo housing programs

Checked October 5, 2026

Town of Caledon — Affordable Unit Grant (Gentle Density CIP)

Peel Region · Apply anytime; grants may be issued until Dec 31, 2028, subject to funding and Council direction

Amount

Up to $30,000

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

ARUs — create a new unit or legalize an existing one

Rent Requirement

Yes — the unit must be licensed and keep affordable rental rates for two years (Town page, Oct 2026)

Commitment Period

2 years

Deadline

Apply anytime; grants may be issued until Dec 31, 2028, subject to funding and Council direction

Notes

Up to $30,000 to create or legalize an additional residential unit that you commit to rent at affordable rates. Grant D of Caledon's Gentle Density Community Improvement Plan (By-law 2025-118; applications opened Feb 2, 2026), funded by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. Reviewed first-come first-served; "Funding is not guaranteed." The CIP also offers up to $50,000 per property for multiplexes and $15,000 per unit for ARUs or multiplexes in new subdivisions.

Town of Caledon | 905-584-2272

Checked October 6, 2026

Town of Georgina — Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Incentive Program — ARU Creation

York Region · Accepting applications while funding lasts

Amount

50% of project costs to $30,000 for a new ARU ($15,000 for renovating an existing one)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

New attached or detached ARU: basement or upper-floor unit, detached accessory building (garage, garden suite) or a prefabricated/modular unit; the dwelling must be at least five years old

Rent Requirement

No rent level required; the unit must be long-term housing, not a short-term rental, confirmed in writing before funds are released

Notes

Georgina reimburses half the cost of building a new ARU, including a detached garden suite or a modular unit, up to $30,000, if you apply and are approved before spending. Housing Accelerator Fund money, subject to availability; only expenses incurred after approval are reimbursed; released after the final Building Code inspection and occupancy. Pre-application meeting strongly encouraged. ARUs must be registered with the Town. Guide dated August 2026.

planning@georgina.ca | 905-476-4301

Checked October 6, 2026

Municipality of Chatham-Kent — Additional Dwelling Unit grants (CIP Residential Conversion and Affordable Housing Grant + Building and Planning Fee Rebate)

Chatham-Kent · Accepting applications while funding lasts

Amount

50% of eligible costs to $27,000 for one new ADU, $32,000 for two (page wording; the Nov 2025 guide reads $22,000 + $5,000 per extra unit + up to $5,000 fee rebate)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

ADUs including detached units (the Municipality offers pre-approved detached ADU designs); the main home must be at least 3 years old for the full grant (newer homes get $2,500); agricultural-area ADUs over 140 m² excluded

Rent Requirement

None stated

Notes

Chatham-Kent grants cover 50% of eligible costs to $27,000 for one new ADU, or $32,000 for two, on a home at least three years old; contact Planning before starting work. "Chatham-Kent currently has grants available that cover 50% of eligible costs up to $27,000 for the creation of one new ADU and up to $32,000 for the creation of two ADUs" (ADU page). The CIP Application Guide v3.0 (Nov 2025) itemizes $22,000 + $5,000 per additional unit plus a Building and Planning Fee Rebate to $5,000. Two contractor quotes, drawings and proof of ownership; paid after completion with proof of payment and taxes current. Cosmetic work and chattels excluded.

ckplanning@chatham-kent.ca | 519-360-1998

Checked October 6, 2026

Region of Waterloo — Ontario Renovates — Secondary Suites

Waterloo Region · Accepting applications while funding lasts

Amount

Up to $25,000 per property (including up to $5,000 accessibility grant)

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

A self-contained suite with its own entrance, kitchen and bathroom, "constructed in the applicant's home or on their property" (Region fact sheet); confirm a detached unit with the Region before you design

Rent Requirement

Yes — rent at or below the Region's approved average market rent for 15 years (2026: bachelor $1,002 to 3-bed $1,545, utilities included) to a tenant under the income limit; owner-occupied single-family home assessed at $600,000 or less

Commitment Period

15 years

Notes

An interest-free loan of up to $25,000, forgiven over 15 years, to create a secondary suite rented at average market rent to an income-qualified tenant. Applications are received on an ongoing basis; when the year's funding is depleted, eligible households go on the waitlist for the following year. Approval must come before any work (modifications done before loan approval are ineligible). Interest-free, forgiven in equal steps over 15 years; the outstanding balance is repayable if the home is sold or the owner stops living there. Loans up to $25,000 are secured by a promissory note; anything above needs a mortgage on title. Up to $5,000 of the amount is a non-repayable accessibility grant. Application form revised April 30, 2026.

OntarioRenovates@regionofwaterloo.ca | 519-575-4821

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Guelph — Additional Dwelling Unit Grant — Homeowner Stream (Affordable Housing CIP)

Wellington County · Approved building permit by December 2026

Amount

Up to $20,000 per unit + $10,000 if accessible

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

Basement apartments, in-law suites, garage suites, garden suites, tiny homes (up to three ADUs per property)

Rent Requirement

Yes — affordable rent (provincial benchmarks) for 15 years, to unrelated tenants

Commitment Period

15 years

Deadline

Approved building permit by December 2026

Notes

Up to $20,000 for each affordable ADU added to a home, plus $10,000 if the unit has accessibility features beyond code, with rent kept affordable for 15 years. Amended Dec 9, 2025 to a maximum of three ADUs on the homeowner stream. Infrastructure upgrades can add $20,000 to $60,000 per project. Grant funds must be distributed by December 2026, so the permit deadline is firm.

City of Guelph Housing

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Barrie — Barrie Bonus for Affordable Additional Residential Units

Simcoe County · Apply before the City issues the occupancy permit

Amount

$15,000 one-time top-up

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

Attached or detached ARUs (secondary dwelling, coach house, garden suite)

Rent Requirement

Yes — you must first hold an approved County of Simcoe Secondary Suites loan, with its rent cap

Commitment Period

15 years

Deadline

Apply before the City issues the occupancy permit

Notes

A $15,000 cheque from the City on top of the County of Simcoe Secondary Suites loan, paid once your building permit is issued. Stacks on the County loan: apply to the County first, then the County sends you the Barrie Bonus form. Property must be on full municipal services, taxes in good standing, and not within Conservation Authority-regulated land. "Funding is currently available but limited" (City page, read Oct 2026). The City pages do not describe a permit-fee reduction; ask the City before counting on one.

HousingCIP@barrie.ca | 705-739-4220 x4416

Checked October 5, 2026

City of Cambridge — Additional Residential Unit Financial Assistance Program

Waterloo Region · Accepting applications while funding lasts

Amount

Up to $10,000 per property

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

Any ARU, including a unit in a detached accessory structure

Rent Requirement

None stated on the City pages

Notes

A one-time grant of up to $10,000 toward servicing upgrades, permit drawings and construction costs, claimed after the ARU is built and has its occupancy approval. Launched Nov 1, 2024 under the Housing Accelerator Fund. It reimburses documented costs on units already constructed, so it is claimed at the end, not up front. The City and Region charge no development charges on ARUs; school boards may.

Ann Godly, godlya@cambridge.ca | planning@cambridge.ca

Checked October 6, 2026

Town of Collingwood — Rapid Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Initiative

Simcoe County · 2026 grant funds of $100,000, first-come; apply after the zoning certificate and building permit

Amount

$10,000 grant, plus $5,000 with County of Simcoe Secondary Suites approval (max $15,000)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

New accessory dwelling units only (existing ARUs do not qualify); the Town's page does not distinguish attached from detached, so confirm a garden suite with the Town

Rent Requirement

Rent the new unit year-round for at least five years (no rent cap on the $10,000); the $5,000 top-up requires an approved County of Simcoe Secondary Suites loan with its rent cap

Commitment Period

5 years

Deadline

2026 grant funds of $100,000, first-come; apply after the zoning certificate and building permit

Notes

A $10,000 grant from the Town once your zoning certificate and building permit are approved and you commit to rent the new unit year-round for five years, plus $5,000 more if the County of Simcoe approves you for its Secondary Suites loan. Applications are open for 2026 with $100,000 of grant funds available; one grant per property. Covers start-up costs such as design, site preparation, materials, labour, certificate and permit fees. Stacks with the County of Simcoe loan (up to $50,000).

ARU@collingwood.ca | 705-445-1030

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Belleville — Accessory Dwelling Units Rebate (CIP Program 2)

Hastings County · Building permit issued by Dec 1, 2027; occupancy and permit closed before Dec 1, 2028

Amount

$5,000 per ADU ($10,000 for a third; up to $30,000 for three with the HAF top-up)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

ADUs in a new or existing home, or in a detached accessory building

Rent Requirement

No rent cap — but the unit must be rented (signed lease, first and last month's rent) and not used as a short-term rental for 10 years

Commitment Period

10 years

Deadline

Building permit issued by Dec 1, 2027; occupancy and permit closed before Dec 1, 2028

Notes

A $5,000 rebate for your first ADU and $5,000 for a second, paid after occupancy; a third ADU gets $10,000 plus a $10,000 Housing Accelerator Fund top-up while that money lasts. Pre-consultation with Planning is required before applying. Owners need not live on the property. No short-term rental (Airbnb and the like) for 10 years or the rebate is repaid. A $5,000 Accessibility Top-Up Rebate (Program 3, $8,000 with HAF) is separate. HAF enhancements end Dec 18, 2028 or when the money is allocated.

planning@belleville.ca | 613-967-3200 x3224

Checked October 5, 2026

Town of Whitby — Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Incentive Program

Durham Region · Complete building permit application by Dec 31, 2026; ADU registered by Mar 31, 2027

Amount

Municipal fee reimbursement

Type

Fee waiver / rebate

Unit Types

ADUs including detached garden suites

Rent Requirement

No — not affordability-conditioned

Deadline

Complete building permit application by Dec 31, 2026; ADU registered by Mar 31, 2027

Notes

The Town reimburses the ADU building permit fee, registration inspection fee, curb-cut fee, below-grade-entrance fee and, for a detached ADU, education development charges. Funded by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. HARD DEADLINES, no extensions: building permit applied for by Dec 31, 2026, permit issued on or after Apr 1, 2024, incentive agreement signed and the ADU registered with By-law Services by Mar 31, 2027. ADU registration fee is $268 ($534 if discovered via complaint).

bylaw@whitby.ca

Checked October 5, 2026

Town of Caledon — Servicing Review Grant (Gentle Density CIP)

Peel Region · Apply anytime; grants may be issued until Dec 31, 2028, subject to funding

Amount

Up to $35,000 for servicing studies

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

Rural lots adding ARUs or multiplexes

Rent Requirement

No — not affordability-conditioned

Deadline

Apply anytime; grants may be issued until Dec 31, 2028, subject to funding

Notes

Up to $35,000 toward the well, septic and related studies a rural lot needs before adding an ARU; it funds the review, not construction. Matches Caledon's fall-2025 zoning update: a detached ARU is permitted as-of-right on estate-rural and agricultural lots (up to 110 m²) if you demonstrate your well and septic can support the extra unit, which is the assessment this grant pays for.

Town of Caledon | 905-584-2272

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Ottawa — Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program

Ottawa · Accepting applications while funding lasts

Amount

Low-interest loan to $125,000 or 10% of assessed value, whichever is less

Type

Financing

Unit Types

Energy efficiency and climate-resilience work, with additional residential units as an eligible improvement within program limits

Rent Requirement

No — but this is an energy-retrofit loan; an ARU is one eligible line item "subject to program limits"

Commitment Period

20 years

Notes

A 20-year City loan at 4.33% fixed, repaid on your property tax bill, for energy retrofits; additional residential units are eligible within program limits, so only part of the loan can fund a suite. Not a grant. Minimum $10,000, 4% administration fee, no prepayment penalty. The share that can go to an ARU is not stated on ottawa.ca; ask Better Homes Ottawa before planning around it. Because the cap is 10% of assessed value, a $900,000 home borrows at most $90,000 in total.

betterhomesottawa.ca

Checked October 5, 2026

City of Kitchener — Additional Dwelling Unit Grant (Missing Middle and Affordable Housing CIP)

Waterloo Region · Permits issued on or after Jan 5, 2026; priority for permits by Oct 31, 2026

Amount

Grant covering 100% of education development charges on a 2nd or 3rd unit

Type

Development charge grant

Unit Types

Attached or detached ADUs on a single-detached, semi or street townhouse lot, up to four units

Rent Requirement

None for the first two ADUs; a 4th unit gets 100% of all DCs only with a 5-year affordable, barrier-free or energy-efficiency commitment

Deadline

Permits issued on or after Jan 5, 2026; priority for permits by Oct 31, 2026

Notes

A grant that covers the education development charges on your first and second ADU, and 50% to 100% of all development charges on a fourth unit, for permits issued from January 5, 2026. By-law 2025-155; applications opened Jan 19, 2026, first-come while funding lasts. City and Regional DCs are already exempt on a 2nd and 3rd unit under the Development Charges Act, so the cash value is the school-board charge. The City may amend or discontinue the program at any time.

City of Kitchener Planning

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Peterborough — Missing Middle CIP — Municipal Loan Program (two- to four-unit buildings)

Peterborough · Accepting applications while funding lasts

Amount

Up to $10,000 per unit, $30,000 per owner (3-year interest-free loan)

Type

Loan

Unit Types

A second, third or fourth unit in an eligible missing-middle building: two-unit dwelling, row or street townhouse, three- or four-unit dwelling, apartment of six units or fewer. A standalone garden suite is generally NOT eligible; the brochure says lots with ARUs have limited eligibility and generally require conversion to an eligible building type

Rent Requirement

None stated on the program page

Notes

An interest-free loan of up to $10,000 per added unit, to $30,000 per owner, repaid over three years, for turning a house into a two- to four-unit building; a standalone backyard suite generally does not qualify. Status "In Effect", CIP updated January 2026, funded by the Housing Accelerator Fund (about $1 million a year for three years). Also a 100% building-permit-fee rebate to $5,000 and a development-charge rebate at the Residential C rate. City-wide CIPA (By-law 25-0062), municipal water and sewer required, pre-consultation required, new works only, total incentive capped at three times the Residential C DC rate. Listed here because Peterborough homeowners ask; it is a missing-middle program, not an ADU grant.

planning@peterborough.ca | 705-742-7777 x1880

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Toronto — Laneway and Garden Suite Development Charges Deferral Program

Toronto · Accepting applications while funding lasts

Amount

Development charges deferred 20 years

Type

Development charge deferral

Unit Types

Laneway suites and garden suites

Rent Requirement

No rent condition

Commitment Period

20 years

Notes

Development charges on a laneway or garden suite are deferred for 20 years and collected only if the suite is severed onto its own lot in that time. Apply with a zoning-conforming building permit application; a Section 118 restriction is registered on title and the deferral transfers with an assumption agreement on sale. Do not pay the charges first. The Affordable Laneway Suites forgivable-loan pilot "has been discontinued and is not expected to be reactivated" (City page, Aug 2026).

City of Toronto Housing Secretariat

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Mississauga — Building permit fee refund for ARUs (Gentle Density Incentive Program)

Peel Region · Accepting applications while funding lasts

Amount

Building permit fee refunded

Type

Fee waiver / rebate

Unit Types

Basement apartments, garage conversions, garden suites, second-floor additions

Rent Requirement

No

Notes

Your building permit fee is refunded by cheque after the ARU is built and passes its final inspection. Development charges still apply to a garden suite in Mississauga (the City's fourth-unit DC and parkland waiver is for fourplexes). A new garden-suite address costs $81.90 plus HST.

City of Mississauga Building Division

Checked October 6, 2026

District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board — Additional Dwelling Unit Program (DNSSAB)

Nipissing District · Applications waitlisted

Amount

75% of eligible costs to $50,000

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

An additional dwelling unit within the primary residence, attached to it, or on the same property, where the municipal by-law permits; units must be modest relative to community norms

Rent Requirement

Yes — rent at or below CMHC Average Market Rent for the District of Nipissing to an income-eligible tenant for the full 15-year forgiveness period

Commitment Period

15 years

Notes

A forgivable loan covering 75% of eligible costs to $50,000 for a new ADU in or on the property of your primary residence, forgiven in equal steps over 15 years of affordable rent. "In order to apply for Additional Dwelling Unit Program, you must be placed on a waitlist" (DNSSAB page). Construction must begin within 120 days of the signed funding agreement. Property taxes, mortgage and full-value insurance must be current. Eligible costs: labour and taxes, permits, legal fees, certificates, appraisal and inspection fees, drawings. Covers North Bay and the rest of Nipissing District.

DNSSAB.Renovates@dnssab.ca | 705-474-2151 x45587

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Kingston — Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Incentive Program

Kingston · Applications waitlisted · Building permit issued by Dec 1, 2026

Amount

Up to $40,000 detached / $30,000 interior (50% of project cost)

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

Detached rear-yard ARUs and interior units; one ARU per property

Rent Requirement

Yes — rent, utilities included, at or below 90% of average market rent for 5 years (2026: bachelor $1,082 to 3-bed $1,804); tenant income limits apply

Commitment Period

5 years

Deadline

Building permit issued by Dec 1, 2026

Notes

A forgivable loan of up to 50% of the project cost, to $40,000 for a detached unit or $30,000 for an interior one, forgiven 20% a year over a 5-year affordability term. Three add-on grants: $5,000 for a unit meeting the accessibility criteria; $5,000 for installing rough-in servicing for a future detached unit (cannot be combined with the other incentives); and up to $10,000 (50% of cost) for a half-inch water service upgrade in a servicing-constraint area (must be combined with the detached or interior loan). The realistic ceiling on one detached unit is therefore $55,000, not $60,000. Permit must have been issued after Aug 13, 2024 and by Dec 1, 2026; one year to complete after the conditional commitment. The City says applications "are now being placed on a waitlist" (Oct 2026). Initial funding $1.25M from the Housing Accelerator Fund.

City of Kingston Housing & Social Services

Checked October 5, 2026

City of Hamilton — Ontario Renovates Secondary Suites Forgivable Loan

City of Hamilton · Confirm current intake with the municipality

Amount

Up to $30,000 ($25,000 loan + $5,000 accessibility grant)

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

Secondary and accessory suites, including garden suites

Rent Requirement

Yes — rent at an affordable rate to income-eligible tenants for 15 years

Commitment Period

15 years

Notes

A $25,000 forgivable loan to add or renovate a self-contained secondary suite, plus a $5,000 grant when the project includes accessibility modifications, forgiven over 15 years of affordable rent. Launched November 2022 through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative; the City's current Ontario Renovates page describes only the home-repair stream, so confirm the secondary-suite stream is still taking applications before you count on it.

City of Hamilton Housing Services Division

Checked October 5, 2026

Lanark County — Affordable Housing Capital Grant

Lanark County (Lanark Highlands, Carleton Place, Smiths Falls and the other member municipalities) · Confirm current intake with the municipality

Amount

Up to $25,000 per unit (15-year forgivable loan)

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

Secondary suites and additional residential units, expressly including a coach house or apartment over a garage, rented out while the owner lives in the primary dwelling

Rent Requirement

Yes — rent at or below 100% of Lanark County average market rent for 15 years (2025: bachelor/1-bed $1,350, 2-bed $1,503, 3+ $1,725; +$100 if heat, hydro and water included) to a tenant within the income limits; the homeowner lives in the main dwelling

Commitment Period

15 years

Notes

Lanark County lends up to $25,000, forgiven over 15 years, to a homeowner who creates a secondary suite or detached coach house and rents it at or below average market rent to an income-qualified tenant. Pre-application meeting with County staff; no application fee; conditional approval lasts one year; for projects of three units or fewer the full loan is paid once the building permit issues; agreement on title; rent above the limit, unacceptable vacancy or conversion to ownership makes the loan repayable. Guidelines amended December 2025. The County may prioritize funding in any year based on uptake. Covers Lanark County's member municipalities and Smiths Falls; a $10,000 top-up applies in Mississippi Mills only. Carleton Place's CIP says its $25,000 construction rebate may be combined with this County loan.

housingapplications@lanarkcounty.ca | 613-267-4200 x2402

Checked October 6, 2026

Loyalist Township — Additional Residential Units Grant (Affordable and Purpose-Built Rental Housing CIP)

Lennox and Addington County · Confirm current intake with the municipality

Amount

20% of construction costs to $25,000 for a detached accessory-structure unit ($12,500 internal/attached); +$12,500 Affordable Rental Incentive

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

Internal unit, attached addition, or a unit in a detached accessory structure, where the owners live in the principal dwelling; detached units expressly eligible (Sept 19, 2025 amendment)

Rent Requirement

Keep the unit as a rental for 15 years; the optional $12,500 Affordable Rental Incentive needs rent at or below 100% of average market rent for at least 5 years to an income-capped tenant

Commitment Period

15 years

Deadline

Incentive approved and building permit issued by Dec 1, 2027; occupancy within 9 months of the permit

Notes

Loyalist Township pays 20% of construction costs, up to $25,000 for a detached backyard unit or $12,500 for an internal one, to an owner who lives on the property and keeps the unit as a rental for 15 years, with $12,500 more for an affordable rent. Housing Accelerator Fund money; first-come, first-served, subject to Council-approved budget; the Township may discontinue the program (approved grants still paid). Apply before the final building permit; works done before approval ineligible; agreement on title; up to 40% advanced at permit, the rest at occupancy. A statutory public meeting on CIP amendments was held July 14, 2026 with adoption expected Aug 11, 2026; the outcome was not found, so terms may have changed.

HousingCIP@loyalist.ca | 613-386-7351

Checked October 6, 2026

Town of Smiths Falls — Affordable Housing ARU Grant (CIP Program 5) + Permit and Planning Fee Rebate (Program 3)

Lanark County · Confirm current intake with the municipality

Amount

Up to $15,000 for studies and drawings, +$5,000 if the build exceeds $30,000, +$5,000 for efficient windows (to $25,000), plus up to 100% of permit and planning fees

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

A legal ARU in or ancillary to a single-detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling; the CIP names basement apartments and garden suites

Rent Requirement

None — the unit need not be affordable or rented at application, but must be a bona fide rental and never marketed as short-stay accommodation, or the grant is repaid

Deadline

Spring intake (applications before Mar 31, pre-consult by Mar 20) and, if funds remain, fall intake (before Sep 1)

Notes

Smiths Falls rebates up to $15,000 of study and drawing costs for a new legal ARU, up to $10,000 more for a $30,000-plus build with efficient windows, and up to 100% of the permit and planning fees; apply at the time of the building permit application. CIP amended Jan 5, 2026 (By-law 10658-2026); whole Town is the project area for housing programs. Grants are paid on proof of paid invoices; first-come to the limit of Council funding. The program page still read "NOW OPEN" for the fall intake after its Aug 31 deadline. Program 3's fee rebate wording is ambiguous on whether a plain ARU needs an affordable rent.

Marie Elmsley, Planning Clerk | melmsley@smithsfalls.ca | 613-283-4124 x1136

Checked October 6, 2026

Town of Carleton Place — Affordable Housing rebate grants (CIP Programs 3, 5A and 5B)

Lanark County · Confirm current intake with the municipality

Amount

Up to $25,000 construction rebate (5B) OR up to $7,000 for studies and drawings (5A), plus up to 100% of permit fees (Program 3)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

Secondary suites and additional residential units, expressly including a coach house or apartment over a garage, rented as affordable units while the homeowner lives in the primary dwelling (5B); 5A covers studies and drawings for a new legal accessory unit in an existing dwelling

Rent Requirement

Yes — the unit must be rented as an affordable unit (below the Development Charges Act Affordable Residential Units bulletin cost), with an agreement on title and annual proof of rent; the term is set in the agreement

Deadline

Apply in writing before applying for the building permit; spring intake (before Mar 31) and, if funds remain, fall intake (before Sep 1)

Notes

Carleton Place rebates up to $25,000 of construction cost for a coach house or garage apartment you rent at an affordable rent while living on the property, and up to 100% of the permit fees; apply before pulling the permit and spend at least $25,000. CIP amended May 12, 2026. Program 5B needs proof of at least $25,000 invested and is not stacked with 5A ($5,000 studies and drawings + $2,000 if the build exceeds $30,000) but may be combined with Lanark County's Affordable Housing Capital Grant. Program 3 rebates permit fees after they are paid, to an annual Council maximum. Council funds the programs in each year's budget; both 2026 intakes have passed, so the next is spring 2027.

info@carletonplace.ca | 613-257-6200

Checked October 6, 2026

Town of Fort Erie — Additional Dwelling Unit Grant (Affordable Housing CIP)

Niagara Region · Confirm current intake with the municipality

Amount

Up to 70% of eligible costs, to $20,000, for an interior or detached accessory dwelling unit

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

An interior accessory apartment, or an apartment within an existing or new detached accessory structure

Rent Requirement

No rent or affordability condition stated for the ADU grant

Deadline

Apply within 30 days of the building permit; complete within 12 months of the permit

Notes

Fort Erie pays up to 70% of eligible costs, to $20,000, for a new interior or detached accessory apartment; apply within 30 days of your building permit and finish within a year. Plan adopted Feb 10, 2025, by-law Feb 24, 2025. Eligible: materials, labour, HVAC and plumbing required by the permit; not appliances, décor, financing or consulting fees. Only costs after permit issuance count. First-come, subject to Council's annual budget; paid after final inspection and occupancy; recovery agreement on non-compliance.

Town of Fort Erie Community Planning | 905-871-1600

Checked October 6, 2026

Northumberland County — Affordable Housing Grant Program (capital forgivable loan)

Northumberland County (Cobourg, Township of Hamilton, Trent Hills and the other member municipalities) · Confirm current intake with the municipality

Amount

Up to $20,000 per unit (forgivable loan, 25-year affordability)

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

Secondary suites and additional residential units, e.g. a coach house or apartment over a garage, rented out while the homeowner lives in the primary dwelling

Rent Requirement

Yes — rent at or below 100% of the County's average market rent for 25 years (incl. a 5-year phase-out): 2025 page figures bachelor $1,150, 1-bed $1,400, 2-bed $1,650, 3+ $1,800 (+$100 with utilities), to a tenant under the County income limit; owner lives in the main house

Commitment Period

25 years

Notes

A Northumberland owner-occupier who adds a rented secondary suite or coach house can apply for a forgivable loan of up to $20,000 per unit, in return for 25 years of affordable rent. Pre-application meeting first; no application fee; conditional approval valid one year; agreement registered on title; projects of three units or fewer receive the full amount at building permit. Rent above the limit or leaving rental tenure within 25 years makes the whole loan repayable. County Council allocated $1 million (2021 guidelines). Applies county-wide; member slugs beyond Township of Hamilton and Trent Hills to be added.

Rebecca Carman, Housing Services | carmanr@northumberland.ca | 1-800-354-7050

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Welland — Affordable Residential Forgivable Loan (Affordable Rental Housing CIP)

Niagara Region · Confirm current intake with the municipality

Amount

Up to 70% of eligible costs, to $20,000 per affordable unit (2 units, $35,000 per property)

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

New affordable rental units permitted by zoning inside the urban boundary, including an ADU in an accessory building (the CIP's ADU definition covers it); not condominium units

Rent Requirement

Yes — rent to an arm's-length tenant at no more than the lesser of 80% of CMHC average market rent or the provincial affordable definition, for 10 years; no short-term or student rental

Commitment Period

10 years

Notes

Welland forgives up to $20,000 per rental ADU (two units, $35,000 per property) if you rent it at an affordable rent to an arm's-length tenant for 10 years; book a pre-application meeting with staff first. "The Loan Term is 10 years, 10% of the Loan will be forgiven for each term year." No interest; funds advanced after final inspection, occupancy, a signed loan agreement and a lease at affordable rent; two licensed-contractor estimates; annual affordability statement. The CIP says programs are subject to funding availability and may be deactivated without amendment; no intake window or budget was published.

CIPs@welland.ca | 905-735-1700 x2111

Checked October 6, 2026

City of St. Thomas — Community Improvement Plan — Residential Program

Elgin County · Confirm current intake with the municipality

Amount

50% grant to $12,500 per unit ($15,000 affordable) + 50% no-interest loan to $15,000 per unit

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

New residential units added to an existing residential property, or a new home built with one or more ARUs

Rent Requirement

No for the base grant; the higher $15,000 grant needs an "affordable" unit as the CIP defines it

Deadline

Council sets the annual program budget; first-come first-served

Notes

A grant of 50% of construction cost to $12,500 per unit ($15,000 for an affordable unit), plus an interest-free loan of 50% to $15,000 per unit repaid over 7 years. From the CIP as amended March 2026 (CIP 02-25). Eligible projects include intensification of an existing residential property that adds one or more units and a new home built with ARUs; confirm with Planning that a backyard ARU on your lot qualifies. A third ARU approved under this program also qualifies for the Development Charge Grant and the Parkland Dedication Grant. St. Thomas is not yet an ADU Checker municipality.

City of St. Thomas Planning | 519-631-1680

Checked October 5, 2026

City of Pembroke — Additional Residential Units Grant (Community Improvement Plan s. 4.6)

Renfrew County · Confirm current intake with the municipality

Amount

Up to 50% of eligible costs, to $10,000 per additional residential unit

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

A self-contained unit within a single-detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling, or within a detached structure on the same lot; a detached backyard unit is eligible

Rent Requirement

None stated in CIP s. 4.6 or on the program page

Deadline

Ongoing intake; apply before any site work starts or a building permit is issued

Notes

Pembroke reimburses up to half the cost of creating a unit inside your home or in a detached building on your lot, to $10,000 per unit, if you apply before starting work or pulling a permit. CIP adopted Jan 20, 2026 (10-year plan, whole City). Eligible costs: plans and studies, Building and Fire Code works, materials, construction and labour. Council sets the budget annually and may fund nothing in a given year (CIP s. 6.2.3). Two quotes, no tax arrears or orders, Community Improvement Panel then Council approval; reimbursed after receipts. Applications need original signatures (City Hall, mail or courier). A separate Affordable Housing Grant (s. 4.7, 4+ units, 20-year affordability) is not an ARU program.

ecdev@pembroke.ca | 613-735-6821 x1500

Checked October 6, 2026

Municipality of North Middlesex — Additional Residential Unit Program (CIP, Residential/Affordable Housing stream)

Middlesex County · Confirm current intake with the municipality

Amount

50% matching grants: up to $10,000 construction, $2,500 planning and building fees, $1,500 professional fees

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

The CIP defines an ARU as a self-contained unit within a main dwelling or within an accessory building; the program's example projects name units within an existing dwelling. Parkhill, Ailsa Craig and Nairn settlement areas

Rent Requirement

None stated (the program encourages new rental units; the separate Affordable Rental Housing Unit Program carries rent caps)

Deadline

Listed as open for 2026 on the CIP application; Council sets programs and funding annually

Notes

North Middlesex matches half the cost of an additional residential unit to $10,000, plus up to $2,500 toward planning and building fees and $1,500 toward professional fees, in its three settlement areas. The 2026 CIP application lists the Additional Residential Unit Program as open for 2026; the grants page shows "NOW OPEN (March 30, 2026)" against the business stream only. Pre-consult staff; drawings and two quotes per item; work done before written approval is ineligible; start within 6 months and finish within 12 of the funding agreement; not combinable with other CIP programs. Figures from the January 2026 CIP consolidation.

Economic Development | 519-294-6244

Checked October 6, 2026

Elgin County (Elgincentives CIP, all seven municipalities) — Additional Dwelling Unit Program (Elgincentives Community Improvement Plan, s. 11.11)

Elgin County · Confirm current intake with the municipality

Amount

50% of materials and labour to $10,000, plus 50% of professional fees to $2,500 and 50% of permit and planning fees to $2,500 (combined $15,000)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

A new permanent ADU, or works bringing an existing ADU to code, in the Settlement Area and Main Street Corridor focus areas only (not agricultural or employment lands). The CIP defines an ADU as within, attached to or detached from the main building; the program text does not name detached units

Rent Requirement

No rent condition; the funding agreement bars short-term rental of the unit for at least 5 years

Commitment Period

5 years

Deadline

County applications opened Sept 21, 2026; each council activates and funds programs annually; Dutton Dunwich says Fall 2026

Notes

In Elgin County's settlement areas, the county-run Elgincentives CIP reimburses half the cost of building or legalizing an ADU, to $10,000 for materials and labour plus $2,500 each toward professional fees and permit fees; book the mandatory pre-consultation with Elgin County before any work. Identical program text in each municipality's 2026 Elgincentives CIP (Aylmer by-law 38-26, May 20, 2026; Bayham 2026-037, June 4; Dutton Dunwich 2026-19B, May 27; West Elgin and Central Elgin April 30, 2026 plans). Elgin County launched applications Sept 21, 2026 and runs intake and pre-consultation. Reimbursement after completion; start within 6 months and finish within 12 of the agreement; two contractor estimates; nothing on the main dwelling is eligible; each municipal council and the County set the annual budget and may activate or not activate the program (s. 12.3). Elgin County's program page lists all seven municipalities (Aylmer, Bayham, Central Elgin, Dutton Dunwich, Malahide, Southwold, West Elgin) as participating.

economicdevelopment@elgin.ca | 519-631-1460 x104

Checked October 6, 2026

Town of The Blue Mountains — Additional Residential Unit Program (CIP "Reaching Our Peak", s. 6.4.5)

Grey County · Applications targeted to open by Oct 31, 2026, rolling, subject to funding

Amount

50% of eligible costs to $20,000, plus planning and permit fees reimbursed (Municipal Fees Grant, to $50,000 per project)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

New additional dwelling units accessory to a single-detached, semi-detached, duplex or townhouse dwelling; whether a detached backyard unit qualifies is not stated

Rent Requirement

None stated in the new plan's ARU program (the old Housing Within Reach plan required a 15-year attainability agreement); short-term accommodation is barred

Deadline

Applications targeted to open by Oct 31, 2026, rolling, subject to funding

Notes

The Blue Mountains' new CIP pays 50% of eligible costs to $20,000 to create an additional residential unit, and can reimburse the planning and building permit fees on top; applications are expected to open by the end of October 2026. Replaces the Housing Within Reach CIP's ADU program (50% to $15,000 grant or $30,000 loan; its Fall 2025 intake closed Oct 17, 2025). Committee of the Whole approved the new plan 7–0 on Sept 14, 2026 with Council approval slated for Sept 28, 2026. About $1.25M sits in the CIP housing reserve; a lesser grant may be given if applications exceed funding. Eligible costs: Building and Fire Code works, accessibility, finishes capped at 25%, design fees capped at 15%. No work before approval; two itemized quotes; pre-consultation with the CIP Administrator; grant paid on completion.

CIP Administrator | 519-599-3131 x267

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Niagara Falls — Homeowner Additional Dwelling Unit Grant (CIP Amendment No. 1)

Niagara Region · Apply and be approved before the building permit or any work; occupancy permit within two years of approval

Amount

50% of eligible project costs to $20,000, one-time

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

A new unit in an existing dwelling or in an accessory building (a detached backyard unit qualifies) on a residential lot inside the urban boundary, on the owner's principal residence

Rent Requirement

No rent condition; the owner must live on the property, and neither the house nor the ADU may be a short-term rental for 10 years from the occupancy permit

Commitment Period

10 years

Deadline

Apply and be approved before the building permit or any work; occupancy permit within two years of approval

Notes

Niagara Falls will match 50% of eligible costs to $20,000 for an owner-occupier adding a backyard or in-house unit inside the urban boundary, once the new program opens; book a pre-consultation and apply before pulling a permit. Council approved the amendment July 14, 2026 (PBD-2026-33) and passed By-law 2026-073 on Aug 11, 2026; the appeal period ended Sept 24, 2026. Recommended annual budget $200,000 (about 10 grants); first-come, no waitlist, suspended once allocated. Eligible costs: construction and labour, permit and DC fees, design fees, on-site servicing upgrades. Two contractor quotes; CIP agreement on title; one grant per property; clawback on sale, short-term rental or missed occupancy. The City's incentives page had not yet published the guide or form when read.

cip@niagarafalls.ca | 905-356-7521 x4330

Checked October 6, 2026

Town of Saugeen Shores — Additional Residential Unit Grant (Supplemental Housing Incentives Guide, CIP)

Bruce County · Applications begin Nov 1, 2026; guide in effect until Dec 4, 2028 or until HAF funds are committed

Amount

$5,000 for one ARU; $7,500 per unit for two; $10,000 per unit for three (max $30,000)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

Basement apartment, garden suite, upstairs apartment or a unit in one accessory building, on a serviced lot zoned for ARUs in the CIP area

Rent Requirement

No rent level; the primary dwelling must be owner-occupied and the unit may not be a short-term rental for the agreement term

Deadline

Applications begin Nov 1, 2026; guide in effect until Dec 4, 2028 or until HAF funds are committed

Notes

From November 1, 2026 Saugeen Shores will grant $5,000 for a single new ARU, including a detached garden suite, on an owner-occupied property, rising to $10,000 per unit for three units. Paid on substantial completion after occupancy and compliance checks; proposals matching the Town's pre-approved ARU designs are favoured; cannot be combined with the DC Grant. Figures from the September 2026 draft CIP update; the planning-reports page says the amendment was adopted. Bruce County's separate forgivable loan (up to $50,000) also applies here.

planningteam@saugeenshores.ca | 519-832-2008

Checked October 6, 2026

Township of West Lincoln — Additional Residential Unit Grant (Affordable Housing CIP)

Niagara Region · Announced, not yet open

Amount

Up to $5,000 per ARU, with top-ups to $3,000 accessible design and $1,500 each for family-sized/seniors units and home upgrades

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

New ARUs such as basement suites, garden suites or coach houses, and legalizing existing basement units, within the urban limits of Smithville

Rent Requirement

The CIP's general criteria ask projects to commit to affordability outcomes (PPS 2024 definition); no ARU-specific rent figure or term

Notes

West Lincoln's April 2026 CIP includes a grant of up to $5,000 for a garden suite, coach house or basement suite in Smithville, but the Township has not yet opened it; only the Municipal Fee Grant for housing providers is taking applications. Adopted Apr 27, 2026 with $95,985 from the Planning Reserve; the staff report opened only the Municipal Fee Grant for now, with other programs to open in later years on budget and demand. The July 2026 application form lists "ADU Grant (Not currently open)". Paid on proof of completion; costs before application not funded.

planning@westlincoln.ca | 905-957-3346

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Burlington — Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program

Halton Region · Closed to new applications

Amount

Was up to $95,000 detached / $70,000 interior (forgivable loans) + $15,000 legalization grant

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

New affordable rental ARUs (detached or interior) and legalizing existing ARUs

Rent Requirement

Yes — a 10-year affordability term at the City's rent ceilings (2026: bachelor $1,568 to 3-bed $2,380)

Commitment Period

10 years

Notes

Forgivable loans of up to $95,000 for a detached ARU or $70,000 for an interior one, converting to a grant after 10 years of affordable rent, plus a one-time $15,000 grant to legalize a non-compliant unit. CLOSED: "ARU Incentive Program closed October 1, 2025, at 4:30 p.m." (City page). Fee waivers ran to Dec 31, 2025. No replacement ARU program has been announced; the City's May 2026 temporary CIP programs are for purpose-built rental, ownership DCs and missing-middle fee waivers, not backyard ARUs. The City's "Steps to build an ARU" page still carries the old apply-now wording.

ARUProgram@Burlington.ca

Checked October 5, 2026

City of St. Catharines — Accessory Dwelling Unit Program (2020 CIP)

Niagara Region · Closed to new applications

Amount

Was 70% of costs to $80,000 exterior / $40,000 interior

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

Exterior (detached) and interior ADUs

Rent Requirement

None stated

Notes

A grant of up to 70% of eligible costs, to $80,000 for an exterior ADU or $40,000 for an interior one, paid after completion. The CIP page says: "April 16, 2026 Update: Due to the popularity of the program, funding has been depleted. The ADU Program is closed." The City's HAF page still says applications are accepted from April 1; the CIP page is the later notice. A new CIP is expected in 2026.

City of St. Catharines Planning and Building Services

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Hamilton — Additional Dwelling Unit and Multi-Plex Housing Incentive Program

City of Hamilton · Closed to new applications

Amount

Was up to $40,000 per unit (70% of eligible costs)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

Detached ADUs, garden suites and multi-plexes of six units or fewer

Rent Requirement

No ongoing affordability covenant stated

Deadline

Occupancy within 18 months of conditional approval or by Aug 4, 2027 for approved projects

Notes

A direct grant of 70% of eligible costs to $40,000 per unit, paid in two advances, for permits issued on or after Oct 9, 2025. CLOSED: the City says the program "has reached its allocated funding capacity, and the application portal is now closed to new submissions" and that it cannot create a waitlist or make exceptions (page dated June 8, 2026). Kept here because the program may be refunded; ask the Housing Secretariat about a next round.

housing.secretariat@hamilton.ca

Checked October 5, 2026

Municipality of Lakeshore — Housing Incentives Program (CIP) — forgivable loan for a new ARU

Essex County · Closed to new applications

Amount

Was up to $34,000 per new rental ARU / $26,000 per ownership ARU (100% of eligible costs)

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

An ARU within a single-detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling, or within an accessory building on the same lot; municipally serviced lots only (no well/septic)

Rent Requirement

The rental stream is for "a new affordable rental ARU": 2026 affordable rents bachelor $899, 1-bed $1,116, 2-bed $1,387; a minimum 10-year affordability period, no short-term rental

Commitment Period

10 years

Deadline

2026 intake closed (Jan 19 – Mar 2026); next round expected late 2026; permit must issue between Jan 1, 2026 and Jan 1, 2028

Notes

Lakeshore's Housing Accelerator Fund loan covered up to $34,000 for a new affordable rental ARU, including one in an accessory building, on a serviced lot; the 2026 window has closed and a second round is expected in late 2026. "The Housing Incentives Program (CIP) application window has now closed." Unsuccessful applicants can re-apply in the next round, starting in late 2026 (Implementation Guide). $800,000 of HAF money, offered until January 2029 at the latest. Pre-consultation required; loan forgiven pro-rata over the term, agreement registered on title; occupancy within 2 years of permit. Finishes capped at 25% and professional fees at 15% of eligible costs.

housing@lakeshore.ca | 519-728-2700

Checked October 6, 2026

Oxford County — My Second Unit

Oxford County · Closed to new applications

Amount

Was up to $30,000 (10-year forgivable); 2027 window to be announced

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

A self-contained second unit in the home or in an accessory building on the property (for example above a garage)

Rent Requirement

Yes — rent at the County's Average Market Rent for 10 years to a household with income at or below $119,800 (2025)

Commitment Period

10 years

Deadline

2026 application window closed; applications reopen in 2027 as funding becomes available

Notes

An interest-free loan of up to $30,000, registered on title and fully forgiven after 10 years without default, for a second unit rented at average market rent to an income-qualified household. "The 2026 My Second Unit application window is now closed. Applications will open again in 2027 as program funding becomes available." The unit must not be completed before you apply, so time the build around the window. Oxford County covers Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll and the County's townships.

humanservices@oxfordcounty.ca | 519-539-9800

Checked October 6, 2026

County of Prince Edward — Secondary Suites Subsidy pilot (2022)

Prince Edward County · Closed to new applications

Amount

Was up to $25,000 (2022 pilot)

Type

Forgivable loan

Unit Types

New or substantially renovated secondary suites inside the home, and new or substantially renovated garden suites on the property (a new detached garden suite was eligible)

Rent Requirement

Long-term rental for a minimum of 15 years (application form); no rent cap found

Commitment Period

15 years

Deadline

2022 pilot intake closed May 27, 2022; no later round found

Notes

In 2022 the County offered forgivable loans of up to $25,000 for a new or substantially renovated secondary or garden suite kept as a long-term rental for 15 years; the pilot's only intake closed in May 2022. Funded from $200,000 of the affordable-housing reserve (Feb 2022). The County's 2023 Housing Accelerator Fund application proposed continuing the program; that application was denied (Mar 2024). The 2022 program page now 404s and the current housing pages do not mention it. Loan registered on title at the owner's expense; work started before approval ineligible. Kept as reference; ask the County whether a new round is planned.

housinghelp@pecounty.on.ca | 613-476-2148 x1069

Checked October 6, 2026

City of London — Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Construction Grant

Middlesex County · Closed to new applications

Amount

Was up to $20,000 (any rent) / $45,000 (affordable or Indigenous-led)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

One new ARU on the owner's primary residence; a separate $20,000 for builders adding an ARU to a new single-detached home

Rent Requirement

10-year minimum rental period; the $45,000 stream caps rent at CMHC average market rent for 10 years

Commitment Period

10 years

Deadline

Building permit issued between Apr 29 and Sep 7, 2026

Notes

Up to $20,000 for a new ARU with no rent restriction, or $45,000 for one rented at average market rent, for permits issued in the April 29 to September 7, 2026 window. Tied to the Housing Accelerator Fund deadline; the permit window has passed. The CIP page also lists an ARU Loan and a Building Permit Fee Waiving Program (ended Sep 7, 2026). Program details are by email only: CIPIncentives@london.ca. Ask whether a further round is planned. London's Ontario Renovates program is a seniors and disability home-repair loan, not an ADU program.

CIPIncentives@london.ca | 519-930-3500

Checked October 5, 2026

City of Thunder Bay — Additional Dwelling Unit Grant (Housing CIP, Housing Accelerator Fund)

Thunder Bay District · Closed to new applications

Amount

Was 100% of eligible costs to $20,000 per unit (+ servicing grant to $10,000, permit-fee grant to $10,000)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

Additional dwelling units in the designated project area, including backyard homes per the City's HAF initiatives page

Rent Requirement

Not stated on the City's pages

Notes

Thunder Bay's ADU grant paid 100% of eligible costs to $20,000 per unit, but "the ADU grant is fully subscribed and we will not be accepting new applications"; join the Build Thunder Bay list in case it reopens. HAF initiatives run 2024–2027. Companion Servicing Grant (to $10,000) and Planning and Building Permit Fees Grant (to $10,000) are also closed. Paid on permit closure with receipts. An older draft CIP said $10,000; the live page says $20,000.

buildtbay@thunderbay.ca | 807-622-8453

Checked October 6, 2026

Town of Ajax — Build More, Get More Grant Program for ADUs

Durham Region · Closed to new applications

Amount

Was $2,000–$4,000 per unit (max $12,000 per property)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

ADUs including detached garden suites

Rent Requirement

No — not affordability-conditioned

Notes

A cash-back grant per new dwelling unit ($2,000 for one, $3,000 each for two, $4,000 each for three), paid after the permit is closed. CLOSED: the Town's housing site says "The intake period for the Town's Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) program is closed" (read Oct 2026). $300,000 of Housing Accelerator Fund money was allocated. Existing applicants: Amy.Seymour@ajax.ca.

Amy.Seymour@ajax.ca | buildingpermits@ajax.ca

Checked October 5, 2026

Town of Hanover — Secondary Suite Permit and Planning Fee Grant (Community Improvement Plan 2020–2030, s. 3.7)

Grey County · Closed to new applications

Amount

Up to 100% of the Town's building permit and planning fees for a secondary suite (no dollar cap stated)

Type

Fee waiver / rebate

Unit Types

A secondary suite in part of an existing residential, commercial or agricultural building, or in an existing residential or agricultural outbuilding; a new-build detached unit is not clearly covered

Rent Requirement

The CIP says the unit "may be required to meet established affordability and accessibility criteria"; no rent level or term is published

Deadline

2026 intake closed (funding fully allocated); prepare for the 2027 intake, dates not posted

Notes

Hanover's CIP can rebate up to 100% of the Town's permit and planning fees on a secondary suite, paid after the work is inspected; the 2026 funding is spent, so apply in the 2027 intake before pulling a permit. Apply and be approved BEFORE planning approval, the building permit or any work. Rebate paid after completion and inspection; not combinable with the Tax Increment Finance program. Project area is the whole Town. Owner or tenant with written consent, no tax arrears, first-come subject to Council's annual budget. The CIP's program list calls s. 3.7 a "Secondary Suite Development Charge Grant" but the section is a fee rebate; Grey County may separately grant or exempt County development charges. The "$7,500 or 50%" figure on the application sheet belongs to the Vacant Building Conversion grant, not this one.

April Marshall, Economic Development Manager | 519-364-2780 x1253 | inquiry@hanover.ca

Checked October 6, 2026

Norfolk County — Additional Unit, Rental and Affordable Housing Grant (CIP, By-law 2025-30)

Norfolk County · Closed to new applications

Amount

Was up to $5,500 per new unit (max $11,000), 50/50 matching; +$1,500 per affordable rental unit (max $14,000)

Type

Cash grant

Unit Types

New residential units, conversions of non-residential space, purpose-built and affordable rental, in the Urban, Hamlet and Lakeshore areas; whether a detached garden suite qualifies is not stated

Rent Requirement

None for the base grant; the $1,500 affordable bonus needs rent at or below the lesser of the income-based affordable rent or average market rent for 10+ years

Deadline

2026 funding fully allocated; 2027 applications expected around January 2027, subject to Council

Notes

Norfolk's CIP matches half the cost of a new residential unit to $5,500 per unit, with $1,500 more for an affordable rental; 2026 funding is spent and 2027 applications are expected in January. "All 2026 funding has been fully allocated and is now closed. 2027 applications will open shortly (subject to Council approval, January 2027)." First-come; apply before any work (pre-application meeting with the Director required); max $20,000 per property per year across all CIP grants; approval valid 12 months. Minimum project value $6,500. The overview page's "up to $11,000 per residential unit" conflicts with the program page's $5,500 per unit / $11,000 per project.

Norfolk County Economic Development | 519-426-5870

Checked October 6, 2026

City of Brampton — Garden Suite Grant Program

Peel Region · Closed to new applications

Amount

Was a rebate of municipal fees for building and registering a garden suite (no dollar figure on the City's pages)

Type

Fee waiver / rebate

Unit Types

Garden suites (detached ARUs)

Rent Requirement

Not stated

Deadline

Closed July 21, 2025

Notes

Brampton's garden suite fee-rebate grant closed on July 21, 2025; ask Housing Brampton whether a second round is planned. "As of July 21, 2025, the program is now closed" on three City pages. The rebated fees (registration, building permit, custom home review, education DCs) and HAF funding appear only in search summaries, not on a fetched page. Brampton's Affordable Housing Capital Grant is a developer program.

housing@brampton.ca

Checked October 6, 2026

CMHC (Federal) — Mortgage Refinance for Secondary Suites

National (all Ontario municipalities) · Accepting applications while funding lasts

Amount

Refinance up to 90% LTV on a property valued up to $2M

Type

Financing

Unit Types

Self-contained secondary, garden and laneway suites on properties up to 4 units

Rent Requirement

No — but one unit must be owner- or family-occupied; no short-term rentals

Notes

Refinance your existing mortgage to fund a new self-contained suite: up to 90% loan-to-value on a property valued up to $2,000,000, amortized up to 30 years. At least one unit must be occupied by you or a relative (no short-term rentals under 90 days), minimum credit score 600, and CMHC must approve the insured financing before construction begins. Arrange through a CMHC-approved lender. Mortgage financing, not a grant, so it stacks with municipal programs.

Via a CMHC-approved mortgage lender

Checked October 6, 2026