Ontario Construction News staff writer
Bruce County — Bruce County has announced an exciting new initiative aimed at addressing the region’s growing need for affordable rental housing. The County is rolling out a $100,000 pilot program that will offer up to $50,000 in financial assistance to homeowners interested in building Additional Residential Units (ARUs) on their properties.
The new pilot program is part of the County’s broader “Build in Bruce” initiative and aligns with the goals outlined in the recently released Housing Action Plan. With this funding, Bruce County hopes to facilitate the construction of up to two new affordable ARUs, increasing rental housing availability while providing homeowners with a potential income stream.
Program highlights:
- Funding Support: Eligible homeowners can receive up to $50,000 to aid in the construction of an ARU.
- Eligibility: Homeowners of single-detached properties within Bruce County are invited to apply. Detailed eligibility criteria are available on the County’s website.
- Affordability Requirement: The newly built units must be rented at an affordable rate, as defined by the program, for a minimum of 15 years.
- Expedited Process: The program is designed to accelerate the availability of rental units to meet the urgent demand for affordable housing.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new funding opportunity,” said Tina Metcalfe, Director of Human Services. “This program not only supports our residents in maximizing the potential of their properties but also helps advance our overarching goal of expanding affordable rental options within our communities.”
Applications must be submitted online by Oct. 11. For more details, including eligibility criteria and application instructions, visit Bruce County ARU Funding or reach out to the Housing Concierge Service at 1-800-265-3005 or via email at
ho**************@br*********.ca
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In Bruce County, for the 2023/2024 period, rents below $1,383 per month and housing priced below $377,300 are considered affordable.
Bruce County’s new pilot program represents a significant step towards meeting the critical need for affordable housing and underscores the County’s commitment to enhancing community well-being through innovative housing solutions.