As part of the Town's Housing Action Plan, we have committed to supporting the development of additional dwelling units, both small-scale and multi-unit.

An Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) is a small, secondary housing unit built on the same property as a primary home. They provide flexible housing options that can meet a wider range of needs, from creating affordable rental opportunities to offering space for multi-generational living.

ADUs can be:

  • secondary suites attached to the main dwelling (such as a basement apartment or an "in-law suite");
  • stand alone suites in the yard (such as a carriage house, garden suite, or backyard suite); or
  • units in an existing accessory building (such as an above garage unit).
Examples of accessory dwelling units. From left to right: two examples of secondary suites attached to the main dwelling, an example of a stand alone suite in the yard, and an example of a unit in an existing accessory building.

We will achieve this by streamlining the permitting and approvals process, and by providing clear, accessible guidance for both residential property owners and developers looking to add an additional dwelling unit to their lot.

One of the ways we plan to support the development of ADUs is by providing fast-tracked housing designs for standalone units that meet our local planning regulations, building code requirements, and energy efficiency standards. These designs will be publicly available to view on the Town's website.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Fast Tracked ADU Designs

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has recently released a catalogue of fast-tracked housing designs for Canadians. A special set of designs have been completed for the Atlantic Region, using design features that are sensitive to the East Coast. Included in the catalogue are two designs for Accessory Dwelling Units. You can explore the designs below, or by visiting CMHC's website.

CMHC's Atlantic Region Accessory Dwelling Unit Design #1

Architectural rendering of Accessory Dwelling Unit Design 1 from CMHC's housing design catalogue.
Site Plan Rendering for ADU Design 1
Floor Plan for ADU Option 1.
Floor Plan for the Accessible version of ADU Design 1.

1. Entry 2. Living 3. Dining 4. Kitchen 5. Bedroom 6. Washroom 7. Laundry 8. Storage 9. Mechanical

Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Atlantic Accessory Dwelling Unit 01, October 2025. This information is reproduced and distributed on an "as is" basis with the permission of CMHC.

ADU #1 Design Specifications

A single-storey Accessory Dwelling Unit, accessible-ready featuring one bedroom and one bathroom.

  • Building footprint: 635 square feet
  • Building height (roof peak): 16 feet 1 inch
  • Building width: 28 feet 9.75 inches
  • Building depth: 22 feet 1.625 inches

CMHC's Atlantic Region Accessory Dwelling Unit Design #2

Architectural rendering of Accessory Dwelling Unit Design 2 from CMHC's housing design catalogue.
Site Plan rendering showing possible layout of a property with ADU Design #2.
Lower Floor Plan for ADU Design 2.
Upper floor plan for ADU Design 2.

1. Entry 2. Living 3. Dining 4. Kitchen 5. Bedroom 6. Washroom 7. Laundry 8. Storage 9. Mechanical

11. Open to Below

Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Atlantic Accessory Dwelling Unit 02, October 2025. This information is reproduced and distributed on an "as is" basis with the permission of CMHC.

ADU #2 Design Specifications

A two-storey Accessory Dwelling Unit, featuring two bedrooms and one bathroom.

Building footprint: 614 square feet

Building height (roof peak): 21 feet 5.625 inches

Building width: 31 feet 11inches

Building depth: 19 feet 3 inches