September 22, 1999
To:Community Services Committee
From:Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services
Subject:Status Report: Proposed Add-a-Suite Incentive Program
Purpose:
This report provides an update on the proposed Add-a-Suite incentive program, intended to encourage creation of second
suites and upgrading of existing second suites to meet standards.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications at this time.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that this report be received.
Council Reference/Background/History:
Council at its meeting of July 27-30, 1999, endorsed in principle the establishment of an "Add-a-Suite" incentive program
to assist home-owners to install or upgrade second suites, with the proviso that it be restricted to owner-occupied
residences. This was one of three initiatives to complement the by-law changes permitting second suites as-of-right in
single and semi-detached houses, the others being an educational program for landlords and tenants, and options for a
possible registration system.
Council directed that federal and provincial funding be sought, while the Mayor's Homeless Initiative Reserve Fund was
identified as the likely source of City funds. Council requested that staff report back by October 1999 on any commitments
of funding from the federal and provincial governments, and on funds that could be made available to the Mayor's
Homeless Initiative Reserve Fund due to underspending in the provincial housing download.
This report provides such an update on the Add-a-Suite proposal, while an accompanying report deals with underspending
to be allocated to the Mayor's Homeless Initiative Reserve Fund.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Following the July Council meeting, the Mayor wrote to the Prime Minister and the Premier, with copies to appropriate
ministers, explaining the City's initiatives and requesting some contribution of capital funding to support this. There has
been no response at the provincial level.
At the federal level, there has been no formal response. Nevertheless there have been indications, through the media and
informal contacts, that some response from the federal government on homelessness and related housing needs is possible
in the coming months. Added Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) funding, possibly extending
eligibility to "add-a-suite" type of work, may be considered. This fall the cabinet will consider recommendations from the
federal minister responsible for homelessness, while pre-budget consultations and submissions will include the Federation
of Canadian Municipalities' "Quality of Life Infrastructure Program" proposal which includes capital funds for housing.
Any federal response is unlikely to be announced until either later this fall or in the 2000/2001 budget.
Meanwhile, the Ontario Municipal Board hearing on the by-law amendments permitting second suites as-of-right is
unlikely to take place until winter or spring 2000. Until by-law changes are approved, the only feasible program option
would be to operate a smaller pilot program restricted to areas of the city where existing zoning permits second suites.
There is strong public interest in the proposed program, which has strengthened the expectation of staff that the program
would serve a useful purpose by encouraging creation of relatively affordable second suites. The Shelter, Housing and
Support Division has received 800 to 1,000 phone inquires about the program since July when the program was before
Council and was reported in the media. Many callers are under the impression that the program is in operation. Staff
respond by explaining that the program does not exist currently, may depend on OMB approval of the by-law changes, and
that federal funding is being sought.
The delayed timeline in regard to possible federal contributions and the OMB hearing leads to the conclusion that an
Add-a-Suite program be deferred at this time.
Conclusion:
Pending some federal response on possible funding or cost-sharing of an Add-a-Suite program, and an OMB hearing on the
zoning by-law changes expected in winter or spring 2000, this report suggests that the Add-a-Suite program be deferred.
Public interest in the program is strong, with staff having received 800 to 1,000 phone inquiries since July about the
program from interested home-owners and others.
Contact Name:
Joanne Campbell
Tel: (416) 392-7885
Fax: (416) 392-0548
Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services
