Homeowners in Bruce County have another opportunity to access funding to help create affordable rental housing in their own backyards.
The County’s Affordable Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Funding Program, now in its second year, is offering up to $50,000 to eligible applicants who build or renovate a space into an affordable rental unit.
“This funding opportunity supports homeowners in creating innovative affordable housing solutions, directly addressing one of our most pressing challenges,” said Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau. "We're opening doors for both renters and homeowners while strengthening local communities through increased affordable housing options."
The program covers up to 75 per cent of construction costs and supports both units built within existing homes, like basements, and detached, stand-alone structures. In return, homeowners must agree to keep rents at or below Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s average market rent for at least 10 years. That’s currently $1,236 for a one-bedroom and $1,531 for a two-bedroom unit. Renter household income must also be $67,200 or less.
The initiative is part of Bruce County’s Build in Bruce strategy and Housing Action Plan to address the growing demand for long-term, stable, and affordable rentals. Last year, two homeowners received the maximum funding and are currently building new ARUs. At least four projects will be funded in 2025, with support from Bruce Power’s Seed Funding Program for Affordable Housing.
Applications are open to homeowners of single-detached, semi-detached/duplex, and townhouse properties who use the property as their principal residence.
More information, including eligibility and application details, is available at brucecounty.on.ca/buildinbruce/arufunding or by contacting Bruce County’s Housing Concierge Service.
