St. Catharines ADU Grants 2026
What Homeowners Should Know (and How to Get Ready)
Great news for St. Catharines homeowners thinking about adding an ADU: the City’s ADU grant program is expected to return in 2026, and many homeowners are already starting to prepare.
If you’ve been considering a detached accessory dwelling unit—for rental income, family housing, or long-term property value—this program could significantly reduce your construction costs. When the grants were last available, interest was extremely high and funds were claimed much faster than expected. Unfortunately, many homeowners missed out simply because they weren’t ready in time.
If you want a real shot at funding in 2026, the key is simple: start preparing now.
Why ADU Grants Are Likely Coming Back in 2026
Ontario continues to face strong demand for more rental housing, and ADUs are one of the fastest and most practical solutions. They increase housing supply without large-scale development and fit perfectly within existing neighbourhoods.
St. Catharines has already taken important steps by updating zoning and building regulations to support detached ADUs. The City’s Community Improvement Plan clearly outlines how these grants work and why they matter.
In the 2025 program:
Up to 70% of eligible project costs were covered
Detached ADUs were eligible for up to $80,000 per property
With ongoing housing pressure and a continued focus on “gentle density,” many industry professionals expect a similar program to return in 2026.
While nothing is official until the City announces it, all signs point in the same direction—and homeowners who prepare early will be in the best position.
Why Waiting for the Announcement Can Cost You the Grant
When the ADU funding opened last time, demand was overwhelming. Funds were allocated quickly, and once the budget was gone, that was it.
The City only accepts complete applications. If you’re still gathering documents or waiting on drawings when the program opens, you simply won’t have enough time.
A complete application typically includes:
Approved building permit drawings
A building permit issued
A detailed breakdown of eligible project costs
Photos of the proposed build area
A full site plan showing setbacks and dimensions
Utility layouts and service information
Required declarations and compliance confirmations
These items take time—and they cannot be rushed. Homeowners who succeed are the ones who start early.
What Proactive Homeowners Are Doing Right Now
Homeowners preparing for the 2026 ADU grants are already taking these steps:
✔ Confirm zoning and feasibility
Not every lot can support a detached ADU. A feasibility review confirms what you can build, how large it can be, and whether any variances are required.
✔ Begin design and site planning
This is the most time-intensive stage. It includes measurements, layouts, utility planning, and full drawings that comply with the Ontario Building Code.
✔ Collect utility quotes
Hydro, water, sewer, and internet connections all need itemized estimates. The City requires accurate numbers—not rough estimates.
✔ Secure a builder’s place early
Once funding is announced, builder schedules fill up fast. Homeowners who already have plans and approvals underway move to the front of the line.
Why Preparing Early Gives You a Big Advantage
St. Catharines ADU grants are typically awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting a polished, complete application early can make all the difference.
When you prepare in advance:
Your site plan is finished
Your design is ready
Your quotes are complete
Your permit process is already underway
Your application can be submitted immediately
This is how homeowners secure funding—and why waiting can mean missing out.
Ready for 2026? Dwell Builders Canada Is Here to Help
At Dwell Builders Canada, we help St. Catharines homeowners prepare fully for ADU funding—from zoning reviews and site plans to drawings, utility coordination, and complete application readiness.
If the 2026 ADU grants open and you’re not prepared, you risk missing another opportunity. If you start now, you put yourself in the strongest possible position.
📞 Book a discovery call with us to see if your property qualifies and start building your plan today.
Let’s make sure you’re ready the moment the City opens the next round of funding.
All Cities in ONtario are offering Grants through affordable housing plan and adu installation. we also offer our services in gta and mississauga as well as the entire niagara region. contact us to learn more details about your city’s grant allowance for adu’s.
The City of St. Catharines offers an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant Program to assist homeowners in constructing additional dwelling units on their properties. This initiative aims to increase the availability of affordable rental housing in the city.
Grant Details:
Interior ADUs: Up to 70% of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant of $40,000.
Exterior ADUs: Up to 70% of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant of $80,000.
The total cumulative value of the City ADU incentives claimed shall not exceed $80,000 per property.
Eligibility Criteria:
Property Location: Must be within the Urban Area Community Improvement Project Area (Urban Area CIPA) of St. Catharines.
Property Age: The principal dwelling unit must be at least five years old at the time of application.
Compliance: The property must adhere to the location and regulatory use permissions established in the Official Plan and Zoning By-law for accessory dwelling units.
Financial Standing: The property owner must not be in arrears of any property taxes, local improvement charges, or any other arrears or charges from the City, Region, or Province.
Application Process:
Consultation: It's recommended to consult with municipal staff before applying to ensure your project aligns with program requirements.
Application Submission: Submit a complete application within 90 days of receiving a Building Permit for the accessory dwelling unit.
Required Documents:
Copy of Building Permit plans approved by the Chief Building Official.
Current photographs of the proposed building area.
Declaration of other incentives received.
Declaration of no arrears on the subject property.
Detailed estimate of total and eligible project costs.
Detailed site plan with building dimensions and setbacks (only for exterior ADUs).
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to available program budget allocation.
Additional Information:
No Retroactive Approval: Do not commence ADU construction prior to formal approval by the municipality, as project costs incurred before approval are not eligible for the grant.
Grant Disbursement: The grant is disbursed only after the project is completed and all requirements are met.
For comprehensive details and to access the application form, please refer to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program Guidelines and the Application Form provided by the City of St. Catharines.
Our services include the permit and ADU grant application process on your behalf. All our installations are turn key while providing close communication with you and the city.