Ontario Construction News staff writer
Kingston property owners can now receive financial assistance from the city to develop additional residential units (ARUs) and help expand the community’s rental housing supply.
Kingston has also implemented 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.
An ARU is an independent dwelling unit located within or on the same property as a single-detached, semi-detached house, or townhouse dwelling.
“This initiative is one part of the strategy to increase rental housing availability,” said 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 incentive program is part of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Program funded with $1.25 million from the federal government.
Eligibility criteria and the program application is on the city’s website. Applications can be submitted through the MyKingston portal. Questions can be directed to ho*****@************on.ca or 613-546-2695, ext. 4949.
