The City of Wrenford is seeing a big jump in applications for laneway houses and secondary suites as more homeowners look to add rental units to their properties. Since the start of the year, the Planning and Development department has processed more than 120 new permits, a number that is already higher than the total for all of 2024.
This trend matches the city's wider housing strategy, which aims to add 1,200 new homes over the next five years. Adding a small home in a backyard or converting a garage helps meet that goal without changing the look of established neighbourhoods like Benchlands, Northgate, and Riverside Flats. These smaller homes often cost less to build than a full-sized house, making them a practical choice for homeowners and a more affordable rental option for renters.
The city's Zoning By-law 2016-040 allows these units on most residential lots, provided they meet safety and size rules. Homeowners must still follow the Ontario Building Code and get the right permits before starting work. The city has simplified the process with a dedicated Laneway Housing Coordinator who can walk applicants through the paperwork, answer zoning questions, and help schedule inspections.
"Adding these small homes to our established streets is a smart way to grow our housing supply while keeping the character of our neighbourhoods," said City Manager Robert Eng. "We want to make sure homeowners have clear information so they can move forward with confidence."
If you are thinking about building a backyard suite or a laneway house, start by checking your property's zoning and speaking with the coordinator. You will need to submit a development permit and a building permit application through the Wrenford ePermits portal. All plans must be reviewed by a qualified engineer or architect to ensure they meet fire safety and structural standards.
For step-by-step guides, fee schedules, and the full list of zoning requirements, visit our laneway housing page, secondary suite page, or housing strategy page.
You can also find this information online.