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Second Suites:
Partnering with Homeowners

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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 legal, 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.
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Benefits of Second Suites

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?

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​Fill out the questionnaire below.
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Meet with Community Builders to discuss details like ​timelines and cost estimates. 
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File the Paperwork: Community Builders will complete the necessary permits ​(Zoning Compliance Certificate,
​Building Permit, Registration Certificate) on your behalf (after authorization).
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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.
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Construction: Community Builders will construct the suite and schedule all necessary inspections.
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​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:​
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Download the "Return on your affordable housing investment" info page as a PDF.
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Download the complete ​Second Suites
Information Package as a PDF.
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    Second Suites Contact Form

    ​Did you know the average Second Suite costs $60,000? Simcoe County is offering $30,000 as a 15 year forgivable loan for those who qualify, to help create affordable housing. 
    ​Did you know the average timeline for creating a second suite is 6 months? This begins from first point of contact starting with the potential funding application through the permit process and construction, to the City Registration of your second suite. 
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Partners and Affiliates

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  • Home
  • What We Do
    • Lucy's Place: Motel Conversion
    • Second Suites
    • Family Short-Term Supportive Housing Centre
    • United House
    • Furniture Bank >
      • Upcycled Boutique
    • YIMBY >
      • YIMBY Week 2020
      • YIMBY Meeting 2019
      • YIMBY Meeting 2018
  • Donate
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Annual Reports
    • Why Housing?
  • Blog
  • Connect
    • Tell Us Your Story!
  • Merchandise