Services
Expertises
Resources
Who we are
Closed

Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program

Incentives for affordable rental ARUs

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 40,000
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Homeowners
See full eligibility

Overview

Burlington’s Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program supports homeowners, non-profit organizations, and businesses that are the registered or assessed owners of residential properties in the Community Improvement Project Area. It helps finance affordable rental ARU projects, including construction labour and materials, Building/Fire Code upgrades, and related HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$40,000
Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Renovate or expand facilities
  • Ensure financial sustainability
  • Renovate or adapt facilities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Kingston
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
All legal structures

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

ARU incentive thresholds updated

The Burlington Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program now shows updated 2026 affordable-rent thresholds and removes the note about the next annual update being expected in the fall.

See more

The Burlington Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program now lists 2026 affordable-rent thresholds instead of 2025 values. The updated thresholds are $1,568 for bachelor units, $1,749 for 1-bedroom units, $2,057 for 2-bedroom units, and $2,380 for 3+ bedroom units. The page also removes the note saying the next annual rent update was expected in the fall.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Homeowners
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Businesses that are the registered or assessed owners of residential properties
  • Tenants with approval from the landowner

Who is not eligible

  • Applicants for short-term rental units
  • Properties with outstanding municipal taxes or fees, where stated
  • Applicants who started work before applying, where required

Eligible expenses

  • Design and professional fees
  • Construction and renovation costs
  • Electrical, plumbing, and structural work
  • Permit fees and legal fees related to the agreement
  • Accessibility and code-compliance upgrades

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Work completed before the application is submitted
  • Land costs
  • Household appliances
  • Financing costs
  • Short-term rentals

Eligible geographic areas

  • Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA) for the Burlington Affordable Rental Housing Community Improvement Plan

Activities funded

  • Creating new Additional Residential Units.
  • Renovating existing ARUs to meet legal standards.
  • Adding accessibility features to eligible ARU projects.
  • Installing rough-in servicing for future detached ARUs.
  • Upgrading water service for servicing-constrained properties.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Set up your account
    • Create a DASH account.
  • Step 2: Prepare your plans
    • Prepare construction drawings such as a plot plan, floor plan, elevations, cross section, mechanical design, energy efficiency design summary form, Schedule 1 designer form, and foundation engineering where applicable.
  • Step 3: Submit the permit application
    • Complete the application in DASH and upload your construction drawings.
  • Step 4: Receive confirmation and review
    • Check your email for confirmation of acceptance and the applicable permit fees.
    • Wait for a building official to review the application.
  • Step 5: Book inspections
    • Request building inspections through DASH for the different stages of construction.
    • Provide at least 24 hours' notice for inspections.

Documents Needed

  • DASH account
  • Construction drawings and plans
  • Application form submitted through DASH
  • Supporting materials required by the City

Selection criteria

  • First-come, first-served review.
  • Funding availability.
  • Project compliance with program rules.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by a building official after submission.
  • The City verifies acceptance and applicable permit fees by email.
  • A permit is issued within 10 business days or additional information may be requested.
  • Building inspections are required at different stages of construction.

Additional information

  • The program falls under the Burlington Housing Community Improvement Plan and should be considered with the full CIP document.
  • The Burlington Affordable Rental Housing Community Improvement Plan was adopted by Council on April 15, 2025.
  • The plan includes 10 new incentive programs, including a forgivable loan program for ARUs.

Contacts

Official sources

Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program Program

What is the Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program?

Burlington’s Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program supports homeowners, non-profit organizations, and businesses that are the registered or assessed owners of residential properties in the Community Improvement Project Area. It helps finance affordable rental ARU projects, including construction labour and materials, Building/Fire Code upgrades, and related HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work.

How much funding can be received?

Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $40,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program program?

To be eligible for the Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program program, you must: Homeowners, non-profit organizations, and businesses that are the registered or assessed owners of residential properties Tenants may apply with approval from the landowner Projects must be for affordable rental units within the Community Improvement Project Area

What expenses are eligible under Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program?

Design and professional fees Construction and renovation costs Electrical, plumbing, and structural work Permit fees and legal fees related to the agreement Accessibility and code-compliance upgrades

Who can I contact for more information about the Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program?

You can contact City of Kingston by email at housing@cityofkingston.ca or by phone at 613-546-2695 ext. 4836.

Where is the Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program available?

The Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program is a Grant and Funding