City to hold public meeting about additional residential units

The City of Kawartha Lakes’ planning advisory committee is holding an electronic public meeting on Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. to consider draft amendments to the official plans for Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, Township of Ops and Victoria County to permit additional residential units (ARUs).

Staff will provide an overview of the proposed policy changes and gather public input before the amendments are scheduled to be brought to Council for a final decision.

In 2019, the Province amended the Planning Act to require that municipalities have provisions that authorize the use of ARUs.

The amendments have the effect of replacing the legislation authorizing second units to instead allow up to three units on properties which contain a detached house, semi-detached house or townhouse. Of the three units, one ARU may be in the same building as the primary residential unit and one ARU may be in the accessory building on the same lot.

Planning Division Staff in Development Services are now preparing companion amendments to the City’s official plan amendment 39. The amendments will have the effect of allowing the use of two dwelling units in a single detached, semi-detached or rowhouse dwelling and one dwelling unit in an accessory building or structure.

ARUs help increase available rental housing in the City, gently increase density of residential neighbourhoods and create opportunities for additional income for homeowners.

For more information related to the amendments, please contact Leah Barrie, Policy Planning Supervisor at or on the planning and development webpage.

Detailed information about the electronic participation process is also available on the planning and development webpage and the public can view the Planning Advisory Committee meeting on the City of Kawartha Lakes YouTube.