Existing homeowners who want to build additional living spaces on their property now have more incentive and direction.
The municipality said it's offering grants of up to $25,000 to residents who build one new Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) in homes that are five or more years old and $30,000 if a homeowner wishes to build two ADUs on properties with zoning permissions.
According to municipal officials, ADUs are self-contained residential units that occupy the same lot as a primary residence and can either be attached or detached from the primary residence.
“Over the next few months, we will be working with local firms to develop full design packages for a variety of detached ADUs that residents will be able to access,” said Chatham-Kent Manager of Growth and Sustainability Gabriel Clarke. “We will also continue to update the incentives we offer to further encourage the development of ADUs.”
It's the latest step to increase the housing supply and address a persistent housing affordability crisis across the municipality.
The municipality noted permissions have already been established to develop ADUs in more urban residential zones.
“ADUs are an important tool in our larger strategy to increase housing supply throughout Chatham-Kent,” said Chatham-Kent Director of Municipal Housing Development Ray Harper. “We also have several other initiatives planned and underway to support other forms of housing, such as affordable housing, supportive housing and attainable market rental housing, with a priority on filling housing supply gaps we have identified through the recently completed Housing Needs Assessment report that was presented to Council on April 28, 2025."
A new municipal website has also been launched to help guide interested homeowners. The new webpage offers residents information about ADUs, the steps to build them on their property, things to consider when building an ADU, and information about the incentives being offered to residents who want to build an ADU on their property.
The webpage also features an online mapping tool that allows residents to review the zoning of their property to determine if ADUs are permitted in their area, said the municipality.
The municipality noted ADUs provide several community benefits, including:
Gentle intensification of existing neighbourhoods.
Lower construction costs compared to many other conventional forms of housing (especially for attached ADUs).
Increased flexibility for multi-generational family living (i.e. aging parents, young adults).
Potential for rental income.
Enabling homeowners to help increase local housing supply.