Residents are invited to join staff at a community open house to learn about and provide feedback before a Zoning By-law Amendment is applied for, and considered formally, in a Statutory Public Meeting. This amendment will focus on updating the rules around Additional Residential Units (ARUs) and Housing definitions. The open house will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Jack Burger Sports Complex Community Room (60 Highland Drive).
An ARU is a secondary dwelling on the same lot as the main home. Sometimes referred to as granny flats, in-law suites, secondary suites, and basement apartments.
The Open House is intended to provide an opportunity to learn about these changes, ask questions, and receive your input to assist in shaping the Municipality-initiated Zoning By-law Amendment Application. Staff will be working on these amendments to make it easier for owners to add an ARU to their property, which can help expand affordable and flexible housing options across the Municipality.
Two of the major changes being considered include allowing more innovative housing types, such as tiny homes or mobile homes, and updating zoning provisions for ARUs to be more flexible. These adjustments are designed to give residents more options for adding secondary suites to their properties.
If you are interested in adding an ARU to your property or just want to learn more about the proposed changes, attended the Open House, visit the project page at engage.porthope.ca/ARU, or contact Planning staff by email or by phone at 905-885-2431.
2025-09-16
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