2019 Secondary Suite Program for City of Kawartha Lakes& County of Haliburton

What is a Secondary Suite?

A secondary suite is a private, self-contained unit within an existing dwelling. A secondary suite has its own bathroom, kitchen, living and sleeping areas, but can share a number of facilities including a yard, parking area, laundry and storage space.

Program Goal for 2019

To create a minimum of ten new units that would encompass one or two bedroom self-contained apartments in existing single or semi-detached homes within the City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL) and County of Haliburton (COH) for homeowners with income at or below the 60th percentile.

Program Details

Applications will be accepted until July 5 2019.

Primarily based on first come first served basis based on a completed application and program eligibility. Consideration will be made to reflect the needs of both CKL and COH.

Home must be located within CKL or COH

New 1 or 2 bedroom self-contained apartment created in existing single family home

CKL Home owner income at or below $84,600

COH Home owner income at or below $73,200

Home be valued at or below $409,250

Up to $10,000 toward eligible expenses, such as construction materials, engineered drawings, municipal permits etc.

Forgivable interest free loan over a fifteen (15) year period

New unit/s must rent at CMHC average rent for the 15 year period

Secondary suite tenants

Secondary suite tenants would be a small household whose income is at or below the 60th percentile, and who is currently residing in CKL or the COH.

Frequently asked questions

What is a forgivable loan?

Are there timing requirements?

Yes, construction must begin within 120 days of signing the funding approval agreement and completed within a year.

What if the cost to create the secondary suite is higher than the funding amount?

Any costs over and above the funding amount are the responsibility of the homeowner. You must pay the excess amount first from your own sources before any program funds are provided.

Do utilities have to be included in the rent?

Yes, utilities must be included in the rent (heat, hydro, water, hot water)

What happens if I decide to sell my house?

Will renovations started prior to signing the funding approval agreement be covered?

No, prior renovations will not be eligible for reimbursement.

Why We Need Your Help

Seniors population is increasing at a much higher rate than the total population and they will need housing options

There are very limited rental housing units in CKL and COH

Average house prices and rents continue to increase and housing is becoming less affordable

Over a fifth of all households in CKL and almost a quarter of households in COH are facing housing affordability issues

Before You Get Started

All persons registered on title to the property must sign the application form.

Where there is one registered owner and the spouse of this owner has a matrimonial interest in the property, the owner and the spouse must sign the application form.

Photo ID for all persons who have signed the application

Photocopy of most recent Property Tax Assessment

Proof of mortgage in good standing, statement from lender(s) and proof of property taxes in good standing, statement from Town or Municipality

Home owner income (ie. tax return, pay stubs, etc)

Current insurance certificate

Copy of all required regulatory approvals, if already received.(ie. Environmental, Building Code, Fire Code)

Documentation of funding from other sources, if applicable

Project plan and schedule

Picture of area where secondary suite is to be created