Yes, additional dwelling units are great investments that offer homeowners several benefits, including increased property value and extra income. But we can also agree on one more thing—ADUs do not come cheap.
But there’s good news, too. The Canadian government has been developing several financial initiatives to encourage the construction of ADUs throughout the country. One such initiative is the St. Catharines ADU grant program, offering homeowners up to $80,000 to develop additional dwelling units on their property.
In this blog, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the St. Catharines $80K grant, including its eligibility criteria, the application process, and how Resimate can help you secure this golden opportunity.
What is the St. Catharines $80,000 ADU Grant Program?
The St. Catharines Additional Dwelling Unit Grant Program is a city initiative providing homeowners with up to $80,000 to construct additional dwelling units on their properties. Funded through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), the program aims to boost housing supply and increase the number of affordable rental houses within the city.
Earlier this year, the St. Catharines City Council approved several major amendments to the grant program, increasing the grant amounts and making it more accessible to homeowners.
Here are the highlights of the approved amendments:
- The maximum receivable grant amount was increased to $80,000 and can cover up to 70% of the project costs of external ADUs
- Homeowners can now submit more than one ADU application per property, with the maximum receivable amount still being $80,0000
- Applicants now have an extended application window of 90 days from the day they receive their building permit
Eligibility Criteria
Four essential eligibility criteria must be fulfilled for homeowners to qualify for the St. Catharines $80,000 ADU grant program.
- Your property must be located within the city limits of St. Catharines
- Your property must be legally registered in your name as the applicant
- Your proposed ADU development project must meet all relevant zoning and building regulations according to local laws
- You must complete and submit your ADU application within 90 days of receiving your building permit
What are the Benefits of this Grant?
The St. Catharines $80,000 ADU Grant Program offers homeowners an exciting opportunity to improve their property and contribute to the local community. Here are some of its key benefits:
Substantial financial support
The St. Catharines ADU grant provides homeowners with unprecedented financial support. One homeowner can enjoy up to 70% off their project cost and as much as $80K in grant money. This can significantly reduce the cost barriers to investing in ADUs.
Reduction in housing shortages
This grant can help address the city’s housing shortages by empowering homeowners to build additional dwelling units. Homeowners can then rent out their new ADUs, providing more affordable housing options.
Rental Income
In addition to combating the housing shortage problem, ADU rental units can also serve as an extra source of income for homeowners, helping them offset costs such as mortgages and property taxes.
Increased property value
Finally, adding an ADU can boost the market value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers while also enhancing its utility.
How to Apply for the St. Catharines ADU Grant
We’ve established that the St. Catharines ADU grant program is an exciting prospect for homeowners within the city. But how can you take advantage of this opportunity?
Here’s a step-by-step guide for you:
1. Consult with an expert—Resimate
At Resimate, we’re a team of expert ADU builders with several years of experience. We’ll provide you with essential guidance on your grant application to improve your chances of success, as well as direction for your ADU design and construction.
2. Design and plan
Once you’ve confirmed that your proposed ADU meets all the criteria for the St. Catharines grant, the next step is creating its design and layout. The goal here is to come up with a design that meets your functionality and aesthetic requirements while adhering to city codes.
3. Obtain your building permit
After the design stage, the next step is acquiring the building permit for your proposed additional dwelling unit. You’ll typically need your design drawings, site plan, and several other documents. Do not worry; we can help you with these too.
4. Gather necessary documents
As you wait for the approval of your building permit, you’ll need to prepare the necessary documents for your grant application. Some of these documents include your proof of property ownership, contractor quotes, and project timeline estimate.
5. Submit your ADU grant application
Once you receive your building permit, you can then complete and submit your application for the St. Catharines ADU Grant. Remember, you’ll need to turn in your application within 90 days of receiving your building permit.
6. Construct your ADU
Upon approval of your grant, Resimate will do the heavy lifting to bring your ADU to life on your property.
When you choose Resimate, rest assured that we’ll manage your entire ADU project from start to finish—taking care of every detail of the grant approval process and construction, so you don’t have to.
Why choose Resimate?
Building an additional dwelling unit can be a complex and almost overwhelming process—from navigating zoning regulations to securing financing and managing construction. However, Resimate can help make this process seamless and stress-free for you.
Here are three reasons you should partner with us for your ADU construction:
1. Expertise you can trust
We have a proven track record of helping our clients achieve their dream ADUs. Over the years, we’ve completed over 25,000 lot assessments and analyzed 1.5 million parcels across Canada. Naturally, we’ve grown to understand the nuances of ADU construction—from permits and financing to site prep, manufacturing, and construction.
2. End-to-end support
At Resimate, we’re not just builders. We’re your ADU partner. We’ll visit your site to understand your vision and then guide you through every step of the process, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free experience while ensuring every aspect of your project is expertly managed.
3. Speed without compromise
We understand that your time is valuable. Ours is, too. With an efficient, streamlined process based on years of successful ADU project execution, we’re confident we’ll complete yours in under six months—getting your ADU up and running before you know it.
Turn Your Plans into Action
The St. Catharines ADU grant program offers homeowners a fantastic opportunity to fund their additional dwelling unit development, and you can be a beneficiary.
Book a call with one of our experts at Resimate, and let’s get started on making your ADU come alive!
