Wasaga needs to adopt Collingwood's ADU programWasaga's policy towards accessory dwelling units (ADU) hasn't changed since 2014. Collingwood has adopted the Province's push to reduce the cost of housing and make more affordable units available. If you have enough land in your backyard, you can get an additional structure approved - that's not likely to be the case in Wasaga Beach because of the strict zoning bylaws that remain unchanged.
ADU
Accessory Dwelling Units are all the rage right now - not just in Ontario, but across the Canada and the US. Many properties have more land/space than is needed to support the needs of the single family currently residing on that property. An ADU gives home owners the option to build additional structures that can then be made available for rent or to accommodate an aging parent, for example - thereby reducing the demand for accommodations elsewhere.
It's Win-Win-Win
Homeowners win by creating supplemental income opportunities. Renters win through access to lower cost housing and housing closer in proximity to where they work or go to school - otherwise having to rent farther away where prices are lower. The town may win most of all through higher property taxes as well as bring more people into the municipality at a wider range of income brackets helping to support a growing community's employment needs.
A guide + financial incentives
Collingwood has adopted a much greater willingness to allow single family residence property owners to build additional residential units. Zoning laws in Wasaga Beach are outdated and cumbersome. Bureaucratic red tape will keep many homeowners from taking the leap and building a legal basement apartment or ADU. The easier the town came make the process of doing it right, the more property owners will make the choice to do so - helping everyone involved. Collingwood's additional residential units guide, pre-approved designs and financial incentives help make that process easier to understand and easier to plan and budget for.
My partner and I have two ageing parents who live close by; it's been on our minds how we'll need to adapt as they require more support. Having more options on how to do so within our own property is something that many in our position would welcome.
Got a question?
Wasaga's policy towards accessory dwelling units (ADU) hasn't changed since 2014. Collingwood has adopted the Province's push to reduce the cost of housing and make more affordable units available. If you have enough land in your backyard, you can get an additional structure approved - that's not likely to be the case in Wasaga Beach because of the strict zoning bylaws that remain unchanged.
ADU
Accessory Dwelling Units are all the rage right now - not just in Ontario, but across the Canada and the US. Many properties have more land/space than is needed to support the needs of the single family currently residing on that property. An ADU gives home owners the option to build additional structures that can then be made available for rent or to accommodate an aging parent, for example - thereby reducing the demand for accommodations elsewhere.
It's Win-Win-Win
Homeowners win by creating supplemental income opportunities. Renters win through access to lower cost housing and housing closer in proximity to where they work or go to school - otherwise having to rent farther away where prices are lower. The town may win most of all through higher property taxes as well as bring more people into the municipality at a wider range of income brackets helping to support a growing community's employment needs.
A guide + financial incentives
Collingwood has adopted a much greater willingness to allow single family residence property owners to build additional residential units. Zoning laws in Wasaga Beach are outdated and cumbersome. Bureaucratic red tape will keep many homeowners from taking the leap and building a legal basement apartment or ADU. The easier the town came make the process of doing it right, the more property owners will make the choice to do so - helping everyone involved. Collingwood's additional residential units guide, pre-approved designs and financial incentives help make that process easier to understand and easier to plan and budget for.
My partner and I have two ageing parents who live close by; it's been on our minds how we'll need to adapt as they require more support. Having more options on how to do so within our own property is something that many in our position would welcome.
Got a question?
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