New Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program launched to boost rental housing in Kingston
Kingston property owners now have an exciting opportunity to receive financial assistance from the City to develop additional residential units (ARUs) and help expand the community's rental housing supply.
An ARU is an independent dwelling unit located within or on the same property as a single-detached, semi-detached house, or townhouse dwelling. These units are also commonly known as secondary suites, in-law suites, carriage houses, or tiny homes.
"This initiative is one part of the City's strategy to increase rental housing availability," says Jayne Hartley, Director of Housing and Social Services. "ARUs not only boost the rental market supply but also make homeownership more affordable, support seniors aging in place, and contribute to a diverse range of rental housing options in the community.
The City is offering financial assistance of up to $40,000 for detached, rear-yard ARUs and up to $30,000 for interior units, such as basement apartments. Additional funding is available for creating accessible units, upgrading water services where necessary, and installing rough-in services to facilitate future ARU development.
Approved by Council at its Aug. 13 meeting, the ARU incentive program is part of the City's participation in the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Program. The ARU incentive program is funded by $1,250,000 available from the federal government.
The ARU incentive program is just one component of a broader effort by the City to address rental housing needs. Other initiatives include zoning changes to encourage medium- and higher-density development, the Rental Housing Community Improvement Plan, and partnerships with non-profit and private-sector developers to create varying levels of rental housing affordability.
How to apply
Interested property owners can find the eligibility criteria and the program application in our website Applications can be submitted through the MyKingston portal. Questions can be directed to housing@cityofkingston.ca or 613-546-2695, ext. 4949.
Contact Us
City of Kingston
City Hall
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Canada
contactus@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-0000
Fax: 613-546-7816
The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
