The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) is expanding the financial scope of its residential housing renovation program, created to help build more affordable housing units in Nipissing District.
In light of considerable interest in the Additional Dwelling Unit Program following its May launch — in addition to the original $550,000 investment — the DNSSAB Board has approved another $580,980 from the Affordable Housing Reserve, and with $120,000 in allocated government funding, is bringing the total program funding to $1.25 million.
See related: 'Tremendous response' to Additional Dwelling Unit loans
The program is designed to increase the supply of affordable rental units throughout Nipissing District while supporting various benefits to existing homeowners including increased home value, ongoing rental revenue, and the flexibility to choose the tenant for the newly created unit.
The original target was one household from each of the 11 member municipalities and eight of those 11 submitted applications. Stacey Cyopeck, the director of housing services shared that there are 78 applicants on the waiting list.
The program provides up to $50,000 to eligible homeowners in the Nipissing District to create an additional dwelling unit in their primary residence or on the property lot, where permitted by the municipal by-laws. Under the program, DNSSAB provides 75 per cent of the associated costs, up to a maximum of $50,000, through a forgivable loan. Over the loan's term, the homeowner will provide an affordable rental to an eligible tenant of their choosing.
"This project maximizes impact by increasing the number of affordable rental housing units addressing a significant need throughout the District," writes Cyopeck in her report. "The program removes barriers for citizens looking for affordable and appropriately sized housing by providing rents that are at or below average market rent and deeply affordable units through rent supplements."
The Board heard five projects are moving forward in various municipalities, including Bonfield, Mattawa, North Bay, South Algonquin, and West Nipissing. The $1.25 million "will create a minimum of 25 new affordable housing units, adhering to provincial affordability guidelines of average market rent. The affordability period is 15 years, and tenants must meet income qualifications."
See also: Up to $50K from DNSSAB for homeowners to create additional unit
Thanks to its success, the staff recommendation is for the Additional Dwelling Unit Pilot Program to have a recurring budget line and become an ongoing program, as of 2025. Cyopeck qualified the recommendation by assuring the DNSSAB staff would continue where possible to explore opportunities to leverage federal and provincial funding to operate the program.
“The Housing Needs and Supply Study showed us that all Nipissing District municipalities need more affordable units and this is one way to begin addressing that need, particularly for single units, through the addition of secondary suites," said DNSSAB Chair Mark King upon the project's launch. "This program will not only benefit those requiring affordable rental units, but will also benefit existing homeowners, and the respective municipalities,”
To learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, contact [email protected] or call 705-474-2151 x45587.
