NOTE: An earlier version of this story carried a headline saying it’s a building permit you don’t need. The body of the story did say rezoning, which is accurate. We apologize for the error and any confusion caused.
Two houses or dwelling units on a lot zoned residential is nothing new to Timmins. Now, however, a change in provincial legislation allows three.
Mayor Michelle Boileau says it’s one tool to relieve the shortage of housing in the city.
It’s an advantage to the property owner as well as the city.
“There’s less pressure on the municipality to have to continue to build new infrastructure, whether it be water, waste water, roads, sidewalks, curbs” says the mayor, “but also parks in proximity to use, like schools and groceries by building up in neighbourhoods that are already well developed.”
There’s less red tape, too.
“This is an option that wouldn’t require rezoning,” Boileau points out. “Of course it still requires a building permit, but this is allowing up to three dwelling units on residentially zoned properties.”
Each new unit must have its own kitchen and bathroom, and a parking space.
Listen to our interview with Mayor Boileau here: