Town offering grant funding for attainable housing projects

Money available to support new and existing residential rental units and accessory dwellings

The Town of St. Marys wants to create more attainable housing options in the community – and its offering cash to local property owners to make it happen.

The push for attainable housing is part of the Town’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP provides money to private property owners to support projects that help achieve the municipality’s planning and development goals. One of the major aims of the CIP is to help create a wider range of attainable housing options in St. Marys.

Funding for attainable housing projects is available through two main sources: the Downtown Rental Housing Grant and the Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant.

The Downtown Rental Housing Grant is open to commercial or office building owners in the downtown core who want to build new rental units in the upper stories of their properties. Owners of mixed-use buildings in the downtown who want to upgrade existing upper-story residential units are also eligible for the grant.

The Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant is open to certain residential property owners who want to create an accessory apartment – like a “granny flat” or in-law suite – inside or as an addition to their current home. Those who want to build or add to a separate structure on their property – such as a coach house or tiny home – may also be eligible for funding. Visit www.townofstmarys.com/accessoryapartments for details.

Money is also available to offset the costs of studies, designs, plans and permits, as well as service connection fees that are associated with building or upgrading eligible rental units. Property owners may also be able to defer a portion of property tax increases related to attainable housing projects.

Those interested in applying for CIP grants are encouraged to visit www.townofstmarys.com/CIP to review all available funding opportunities. From there, potential applicants must complete and submit a Pre-consultation Form and meet with Town staff to discuss the proposed project.  

Additional information about the Community Improvement Plan is available at townofstmarys.com/CIP. Questions about funding can be directed to Morgan Dykstra, Public Works & Planning Coordinator at 519-284-2340 ext. 213 or mdykstra@town.stmarys.on.ca.  

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For media inquiries:
Brett O’Reilly, Corporate Communications Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca