Increase Your Property Value: St. Catharines ADU Opportunities with D-Well

Looking to enhance your property in St. Catharines? The city’s newly improved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant Program offers homeowners financial support of up to $80,000 to build ADUs, making it an excellent time to explore adding extra living spaces.

This initiative, updated in August 2024 via By-law 2024-103, aims to increase housing availability and property value while making the process more accessible for homeowners.

In January 2024, the City of St. Catharines secured a $25.7 million investment through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). This initiative aims to expedite the development of new homes, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), to address the housing shortage.

What is the ADU Grant Program?

On August 26, 2024, the city approved amendments to the ADU program, significantly increasing grant amounts:

• Interior ADUs (e.g., basement apartments): Up to 70% of construction costs, with a maximum grant of $40,000.

• Exterior ADUs (e.g., backyard suites): Up to 70% of construction costs, with a maximum grant of $80,000.

These grants make it more feasible for homeowners to add ADUs, enhancing property value and contributing to the local housing supply.

To qualify, properties must be within St. Catharines, and projects must comply with all zoning and building regulations. Applications should be submitted within 90 days of building permit issuance.

For more details on the ADU grant program and application process, visit the City of St. Catharines’ official website.

By leveraging these grants, homeowners can create additional living spaces that provide rental income, accommodate family members, or serve as private workspaces, all while contributing to the city’s efforts to increase housing availability.