The Barrie Bonus for Additional Residential Units (ARUs) is a grant program offered through the Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP).
The Barrie Bonus provides a one-time top-up of $15,000 to homeowners approved for funding through the County of Simcoe’s Secondary Suites Program.
Funding is limited and is provided on a first-come-first-served basis to eligible applicants. Initial funding for the program has been made available through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). In the future, annual budget for this program will be set by Council through the annual budget process.
This program provides more housing options throughout the City, by supporting property owners to build affordable ARUs.
County of Simcoe Secondary Suites Program
The County of Simcoe’s Secondary Suites Program offers up to $50,000 per unit in funding to support the creation affordable ARUs. Applications are accepted year-round, but funding is limited and is awarded on a first-come-first-served basis to eligible applicants.
To learn more about the Secondary Suites Program, including application details, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and the maximum rent you can charge, please visit the County of Simcoe’s Secondary Suites Program webpage.
You can also contact County staff directly at IAH@simcoe.ca or 705-735-6901 x1119 to confirm current funding availability or waitlists.
Barrie Bonus Grant Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Barrie Bonus for ARUs, applicants must first have an approved Secondary Suites Program loan secured with the County of Simcoe, and meet all eligibility criteria outlined in Sections 3.5.2 of the Housing CIP. Below is a summary of general eligibility criteria all projects must meet, but we strongly recommend reviewing Section 3.5 of the Housing CIP for full details:
- Applicants must have an approved Secondary Suites Program loan secured from the County of Simcoe.
- The property must be located within the city of Barrie and connected to full municipal services (water and sewer).
- The applicant must be a city of Barrie property owner, or a non-profit or charitable organization.
- The project must create a new ARU – either by converting space within an existing dwelling, through an addition, or new construction of a detached ARU (e.g. secondary dwelling/coach house/garden suite).
- Barrie Bonus applications must be submitted and approved before the City issues an occupancy permit, or equivalent, for the ARU.
- Applicants must have their property taxes paid and in good standing.
How to Access the Barrie Bonus Grant
After you have confirmed your project meets the requirements outlined in the Housing CIP and County of Simcoe’s Secondary Suites Program:
- Apply for County Funding: Submit your application to the County of Simcoe for their Secondary Suites Program. This funding must be approved before you can apply for the Barrie Bonus. Full details, including application forms and a list of Frequently Asked Questions are available on the County’s program website.
- Confirm your Interest in the Barrie Bonus: Once the County of Simcoe approves your Secondary Suites Program funding, County staff will provide you with the Barrie Bonus application form, for you to confirm interest in the top-up. The County will then submit it to the City of Barrie on your behalf.
- Enter into Agreement: Once City staff have received the Barrie Bonus form from the County, we will contact you to enter into a funding agreement with the City of Barrie. After your building permit is approved and issued, you’ll receive $15,000 Barrie Bonus cheque from the City.
Important Considerations
- Funding is currently available but limited. We will update this webpage once all of the funding available has been awarded.
- Your property must meet all planning and building code regulations.
- The ARU must not be located within lands regulated by a Conservation Authority.
- Your ARU will need to pass all required inspections to be deemed legal and complete the building permit process.
- The unit must remain a legal ARU and continue to be used for residential purposes in accordance the City's Zoning By-law, and with any agreements with the County of Simcoe and City of Barrie.