DNSSAB offering up to $50,000 to homeowners for extra housing

Municipality sharing updated flexible building regulations to address housing crisis.

Last week, the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) announced a new program that seeks to increase the supply of affordable rental housing in our area.

The goal of the Additional Dwelling Unit Program is to incentivize homeowners to create additional dwelling units in the homeowner’s primary residence or on the property lot. The funding is available to anyone within the district which includes all of West Nipissing.

Eligible projects will receive a forgivable loan (grant) covering 75% of associated costs, to a maximum of $50,000.

In exchange the recipient must agree to rent out the unit to a low income individual or family for a period of 15 years and must charge rent that is below the district’s average.

In an announcement released by the municipality of West Nipissing, they specified the details of an eligible ADU (additional dwelling unit). An ADU is a separate self-contained dwelling unit (i.e., has its own kitchen, bathroom and sleeping areas) that is accessory to the principal dwelling unit. ADUs can be located within the same building as the principal dwelling or within an accessory structure on the same property.

Additional Dwellings Now Allowed on Residential Lots

The More Homes, More Choices Act (Bill 108) passed in 2022 by the provincial government has made it easier for homeowners to build additional residential units. When it was first passed, many municipalities opposed these changes as it now required them to permit additional residential units on almost every lot without applying for a zoning amendment.

In 2023, West Nipissing was among many councils to pass resolutions opposing the changes in the More Homes, More Choices Act. Their main concern was that the bill would override the current bylaws while reducing red-tape in the rezoning process.

In light of the escalating housing crisis, it appears they have now embraced the changes. They noted in a news release last week, that residential properties with municipal water and sewer are now permitted to have two additional units in additional to the principal dwelling unit. Properties that are privately serviced (well/septic) are now permitted to have one additional unit.

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