The City of Owen Sound has become the first municipality in Grey County to receive aproval for additional residential units to help tackle affordable housing efforts.
During a Feb. 13 council meeting, the city approved a zoning by-law amendment which will allow for more residential units in urban areas, increasing efficient and affordable housing within Owen Sound.
The city says this amendment will permit two additional residential units in any single detached, semi-detached or townhouse, provided they meet the criteria, which includes providing parking and obtaining a building permit.
This will result in residents being able to add rental income apartments in their homes or create in-law suites to house multi-generational families in one home.
This comes as housing choice and affordability were recurring themes during the preparation of the city’s new official plan in 2022.
The city says it works with Grey County on a number of initiatives, including policy development to support the creation of affordable and attainable housing, and to support people who are homeless.
“With housing shortages and high rental costs in mind, I am happy to see this change that permits additional residential units to be built on existing serviced properties. This will provide a potential source of additional housing that is attainable. I am pleased that Owen Sound is the first community in Grey County to move forward with this initiative,” says Mayor Ian Boddy.