Help Increase Affordable Housing in Muskoka
Through the Muskoka Affordable Housing Initiatives Program (MAHIP), the District offers funding opportunities to builders, developers, and homeowners to help increase affordable housing in Muskoka. Read more about the funding opportunities available below.
Funding for Multi-Residential Rental Units
Through Capital Incentive Funding, the District will provide up to $100,000 per unit for developers and builders to create affordable rental housing through new construction or conversions of existing buildings such as schools, churches, or retail spaces, into multi-unit housing.
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To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Through Capital Incentive Funding, developers, builders and homeowners may be eligible to receive funding towards the construction of rental housing. Applicants can select one of four funding amounts based on the length of time the unit will remain affordable (i.e. the affordability period), as outlined in the table below.
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Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Multi-Residential Unit Capital Incentives Funding program. The application window will close on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. To apply, download and complete the application form. Submit the application form by email to affordablehousing@muskoka.on.ca or by mail to: The District Municipality of Muskoka 70 Pine Street Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3 For additional information about Capital Incentive programs please contact the Affordable Housing Office at 705-645-2412 ext. 4410 or via email. |
Funding for Additional Residential Units (ARUs)
An ARU is a self-contained living space that can be attached to or within a single-family home, such as a detached, semi-detached, or townhouse, or located in an accessory or standalone building on the same property. Examples of ARUs include an addition to the main dwelling, a basement apartment, an apartment above a garage, or a standalone garden suite.
ARUs enhance community housing by increasing the availability of private rental options. ARUs are generally faster to build, and units can often be added while maintaining the character of established neighbourhoods.
For homeowners, these units provide a source of rental income, helping offset the costs of homeownership and maintenance. They also offer flexibility for families to have live-in caregivers, enable seniors to live independently within a family setting, or house young adults.
Muskoka property owners can receive $40,000 or $50,000 per unit in the form of an interest-free forgivable loan to construct up to two units on their property. Learn more about the program below:
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To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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There are two available funding level options and corresponding affordability periods.
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| Your Guide to Building Additional Residential Units | ||||||
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The District has created a guide that outlines the typical steps in the ARU permitting and construction process. To access "Your Guide to Building Additional Residential Units," click here. |
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| For answers to frequently asked questions about building an ARU and the District's ARU funding program, click here. | ||||||
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Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Additional Residential Units Funding program. To apply, download and complete the application form. Submit the application form by email to affordablehousing@muskoka.on.ca or by mail to: Affordable Housing Department The District Municipality of Muskoka 70 Pine Street Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3 For additional information about Capital Incentive programs please contact the Affordable Housing Office at 705-645-2412 ext. 4410 or via email |
| Landlord Rent Supplement Program |
| The Landlord Rent Supplement Program is available through the MAHIP program. Landlords may be eligible to enter into rent supplement agreements where they receive a direct payment for a portion of the monthly rent (average of $235 per unit per month) toward rental units. Click here to learn more: Landlord Rent Supplement Program |
Development Charges: You may be required to pay development charges for land development or redevelopment projects if you are constructing a new building, making an addition or alteration to an existing building that increases the number of dwelling units or the non-residential gross floor area or redeveloping a property or making interior alterations that result in a change of use to all or part of the building. Learn more about development charges by clicking this link.
Join us in making a positive impact on our community by staying connected and informed - Sign up to our mailing list today! Our emails will bring you the latest funding opportunities, educational resources, and relevant updates concerning affordable housing. Sign up now at the following link: Join the Affordable Housing Mailing List