FAQs

An Additional Residential Unit is defined as: A self-contained residential unit for human habitation designed with private cooking, plumbing and sanitary facilities; which is located within a principle dwelling unit or within a structure or building accessory to the principle dwelling unit. 

They are also known as secondary suites, in-law suites, in-house apartments and basement apartments.

Additional Residential Units are permitted in areas designated Rural and Hamlet Settlement in the Township's Official Plan. They will not be permitted within the Waterfront Area designation, which extends 150 metres from the ordinary high water mark of a waterbody.

A waterfront property with a dwelling would not be permitted to have an Additional Residential Unit.

An increase resulting to a landowner’s taxes would be based on MPAC’s assessment of the property.

Garden Suites, also commonly referred to as Granny Flats, are a detached residential dwelling containing a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping accommodations set out to care for seniors ‘at home’.  They are ancillary to the primary residence and may be portable in nature (ie a modular home).  They are not permanent in accordance with the provincial Planning Act whereas ARUs are meant to be permanent dwelling units to assist with the under-supply of housing stock for the long term.