Bruce County offering up to $50,000 through Affordable ARU funding program

A simple renovation or basic new build could help residents stay close to aging parents or children, support renters and strengthen communities.

Bruce County is offering financial support to homeowners who create an affordable rental unit on their property through the Affordable Additional Residential Unit (ARU) funding program. Now in its third year, the program offers up to $50,000 in funding assistance to eligible homeowners for ARU construction.

“We’re working with homeowners to create more options for people who need a safe and affordable place to live," says Claire Dodds, the county's commissioner of community development. "It’s an important part of our Build in Bruce initiative and our Housing Action Plan. It reflects the county's commitment to supporting strong, sustainable communities.”

The Affordable ARU program is ideal for homeowners who have extra space, and perfect for empty-nesters, seniors, new homeowners or anyone looking to transform under-utilized space into a creative housing solution benefitting both their household and the community.

The program also supports building ARUs as separate, detached structures, providing even more flexibility for innovative housing solutions.

“With this program, Bruce County is embracing new solutions to meet our growing housing needs," says warden Luke Charbonneau. "It opens doors for renters, provides new opportunities for property owners and strengthens community across our region.”

The 2026 program is supported in part by Bruce Power’s Seed Funding Program for Affordable Housing, granted to Bruce County in partnership with the eight local municipalities.

Program details:
 

• Intake: Applications are received on a continuous basis until available funding is fully committed.
• Funding: Up to $50,000 per approved applicant, covering up to 75 per cent of total construction costs. This funding structure recognizes that creative ARU solutions come in many forms and scales, allowing homeowners to pursue innovative designs and approaches that best suit their property and circumstances. The review of applications and funding awards are based on the scoring matrix outlined in the application.
• Eligibility: Homeowners of single-detached, duplexes/semi-detached and townhouse properties in Bruce County. Homeowners must use the property as their principal residence and maintain current property taxes, mortgage payments and insurance coverage.
  • Income requirements: Renter household income must be at or below $67,200 annually (as of 2025).
• Affordability commitment: The rental of new units must be at affordable rates for 10 years.
  • Rental rates: Must be at or below Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Average Market Rent ($1,236 for one bedroom, $1,531 for two bedroom).

How to apply:

Learn more and apply on-line at www.brucecounty.on.ca/buildinbruce/arufunding.

For support with bylaw questions, application requirements or general guidance on your housing project, contact Bruce County’s Housing Concierge Service. The team is available by E-mail at housingconcierge@brucecounty.on.ca or by phone at 1-800-265-3005.

Resources:
 

• Review Bruce County’s ARU Toolkit for everything you need to know about building an ARU.
• Look at the Housing Design Catalogue by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Catalogue to find pre-designed ARUs.
• Look at Ready-to-Build Housing Designs for ARUs prepared by the Town of Saugeen Shores.