Redwood Park Communities and Community Builders have partnered together to launch a new housing initiative to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income individuals and families, by installing second suites in the homes of proactive property owners like you.

What is a Redwood Second Suite?

• A Redwood Second Suite™ is a self-contained rental unit within a single dwelling house, typically as a basement apartment but can be installed on any floor of the house or in a converted detached garage. These apartments have their own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom.
• Second suites provide tenants with affordable rental options in neighbourhood settings, while also generating rental income for homeowners.​
• Once the apartment is created, the space can then be rented out to Redwood Park Communities who will pay rent to the homeowner directly.

BENEFITS

To YOU (The Property Owner)

• Opportunity to be a part of the solution to the lack of affordable housing
• Additional rental income
• Ability to downsize without moving
• Potential tax deductions under the Income Tax Act
• Increased property value
• Increased mortgage financing and/or the ability to pay down mortgage faster
• Potential for more funding by contracting with us rather than independently
• Landlords are walked through the process step-be-step and free from the paperwork and property management duties.

To OUR COMMUNITY

• Increases affordable housing stock by contributing to the City of Barrie's plan to create 840 new affordable housing units and Simcoe County's goal of 2685 units, by 2024.
• Decreases the wait times for affordable housing for those who need it. 
• More individuals and families can afford housing and avoid homelessness. 
• More families out of shelters and into housing. 
• More low-income individuals and families living in safe housing that they can afford improves the health and well-being of our community and society as a whole. 

How Does It Work?

​Fill out the questionnaire below.

Meet with Community Builders to discuss details like ​timelines and cost estimates. 

File the Paperwork: Community Builders will complete the necessary permits ​(Zoning Compliance Certificate,
​Building Permit, Registration Certificate) on your behalf (after authorization).

Apply for Funding: Community Builders will direct you to the correct contacts at the County of Simcoe to determine eligibility for forgivable loans,
grants, etc.

Construction: Community Builders will construct the suite and schedule all necessary inspections.

​Being a Landlord

• Finding an Occupant: If you choose to work with Redwood once you have received occupancy in your Second Suite, your tenant is Redwood Park Communities, whose coordinators will assign pre-screened occupants to your suite and consistently keep it occupied.
• Rent: Redwood Park Communities will make the rent payments to you with automatic direct deposits, in an amount decided upon between you and Redwood Park Communities.
• Responsibilities: Maintain a safe and healthy environment for your occupants (assistance will be provided where needed).
• Personal Involvement: Since all transactions are done through Redwood Park Communities, you can be as involved with your occupant as you see fit, based on your own comfort level.
• If Something Goes Wrong: Community Builders will repair any damages (above and beyond normal wear and tear) caused by the occupant at no additional cost to you.

---

Looking for more information?

Download this + info on available funding
as a PDF:​

Download the "Return on your affordable housing investment" info page as a PDF.

Download the complete ​Second Suites
Information Package as a PDF.