Additional Dwelling Units

Want to learn more about Additional Dwelling Units? Explore the resources below for more information.

Have additional questions? Please call the Township at 705-776-2641 or contact any member of Council to provide feedback.

F.A.Qs

Find all the Frequently Asked Questions here: Short-Term Rentals, Trailers, Hunt Camps, Shipping Containers F.A.Qs

Additional Resources:

Please see pages 17 - 43 in the Town Hall presentation below, for details on Proposed Zoning Amendments

Additional Dwelling Units

Did you know that Bonfield is "Open for Business" and is looking to allow more development on most properties across the Township?

An ADU on a property could include:

  • A Primary Residential Building
  • One Attached Additional Dwelling Unit
  • One Detached Additional Dwelling Unit

These new rules do not apply to the Residential Limited Services (RLS) Zone, where Secondary Dwelling Units will still be allowed; but future changes may occur based upon assessments of water quality, lake health, and development capacity considerations.

Unlike larger communities, Bonfield is not required to make these changes - but we plan to do it anyway! The main goal here is to address the rising demand for housing, create more rental opportunities, and provide more space for extended families in our community.

When it comes to housing, the proposed changes would allow property owners in the Residential First and Second Density Zones (Bonfield and Rutherglen Hamlets) and the Rural Zones (in non-waterfront areas) to have up to three dwelling units per property - if all planning and building approvals can be met, including:

  • The minimum unit size is 188 sq ft. / 17.5 Sq. m.
  • Occupancy may be for a family member, or any individual.
  • The Gross Floor Area (GFA) of an ADU cannot be more than 60% of the primary house, with some exceptions if it is a proposed conversion.
  • An ADU shall be in the rear or side yard of the primary house within the hamlets. There are some exceptions to this in the rural area.
  • The total lot coverage of all structures shall not be more than 15% of the entire property.
  • Each additional dwelling must have its own parking space.
  • Each additional dwelling shall have access to laundry facilities.