Affordable Housing

Financial Incentives

Incentives contained within the Affordable and Rental Housing CIP include:

Rental Housing Planning and Building Fee Waiver Program - Grant 
100% of the fees paid on specified applications for an affordable rental or purpose-built rental housing project. No maximum 

Rental Housing Cash-in-Lieu of Parking Reduction Program  - Grant 
50% of the calculated Cash-in-Lieu of Parking fee. No maximum 

Rental Housing Development Charge Program - Grant 
Grant equal to a portion of the Development Charges normally made payable to the Town of Cobourg. No maximum 

Rental Housing Property Tax Increment Grant Program - Grant 

No maximum amount, dependent on increase in property taxes

Second Unit Planning and Building Fee Reduction Program - Grant
100% of fees paid on specified applications for second units. No maximum.
Individuals who do not reside at the subject property are still eligible for this funding unlike the Renovation and Construction Grant/Loan Programs

Second Unit Renovation and Construction Grant Program - Grant
Maximum $10,000, up to 50% of total cost.
Only for individuals who live at the property (sole and primary residence)

Second Unit Renovation and Construction Loan Program - Loan 
Maximum $50,000, up to 70% of total fees. 
Only for individuals who live at the property (sole and primary residence)

Emergency and Transitional Housing Planning and Building Fee Program

100% of fees paid on specified applications for emergency / transitional housing. No maximum 

Affordable Housing and Home Ownership Planning and Building Fee Reduction Program - Grant 

Up to 50% of fees paid on specified applications for residential development projects. No maximum.
For individuals or developers who partner with a non-profit organization. 

Affordable Housing and Home Ownership Development Charge Grant Program - Grant 
Grant equal to a portion of the DCs normally payable. No maximum 

Brownfield Redevelopment Grant Program - Grant 

1) Maximum $30,000. 50% of the costs associated with preparing an ESA, RA, Assessment and Monitoring Plan;

2) Maximum $100,000. 50% of the costs associated with filing an RSC;

3) Maximum $100,000. 50% of the costs associated with complying with a certificate of property use.

Universal Design Grant Program - Grant 
50% of eligible costs. Maximum $10,000. 
Both retrofits and new construction are eligible.

Universal Design Loan Program - Loan 
50% 0f eligible costs. Maximum $50,000.
Both retrofits and new construction are eligible.

Sustainable Design Grant Program - Grant 
50% of eligible costs. Maximum $50,000.

Both retrofits and new construction are eligible. 

Sustainable Design Loan Program - Loan 
50% 0f eligible costs. Maximum $50,000. 
Both retrofits and new construction are eligible. 

Eligible Projects

Purpose-Built Rental Housing:
Purpose-Built Rental housing is designed and built expressly as long-term rental accommodation. It is different from other types of rental units, such as condominiums for rent or secondary suites, which may be available in the rental pool one year and not the next. Purpose-built rental housing is the most secure form of rental housing available. Units may have market or affordable rent and cannot be used for short term or vacation rentals.

Smaller Units:
Smaller units typically include bachelor and 1-bedroom units that are between 300 and 800 square feet in size. Smaller units can assist in providing affordable housing as they tend to be less expensive than larger units. By providing a diversity of housing sizes, more people can find housing that meets their needs.

Second Units:
Second units (i.e. secondary suites, garden suites, accessory dwellings or coach houses) are self-contained living units within primary residences. Second units are a market driven solution to the unmet demand for affordable housing. They can offer affordable housing choices within the existing housing stock in established communities to assist both owners and tenants. The majority of second units are created through internal alterations, although some are built as additions to the main house or in/above ancillary structures like garages or separate coach houses. The size, type (e.g., internal, addition, ancillary structure), and location of the second unit will depend on the size and design of the house as well as its location on and the overall size of the lot.

Mixed-income Developments:
Mixed-income housing is a model for affordable housing that does not concentrate affordable housing in one particular building or area. It is intended to provide housing for people with diverse income classifications. The mix of affordable and market-rate units that make up mixed-income developments differs from community to community and depends partly on the local housing market and the marketability of the units themselves. Mixed-housing areas may include diverse types of housing, including apartments, single-family homes and town homes and may include mixed-tenure units (rental and ownership).

Emergency and Transitional Housing:
Emergency housing is short-term accommodation for people who are experiencing homelessness or are in crisis. Emergency housing facilities often provide necessities, such as a place to sleep, shower, do laundry, get clothing, and obtain meals and services.

Transitional housing refers to a supportive and temporary type of accommodation that is meant to bridge the gap from homelessness to permanent housing by offering structure, supervision, support, life skills, and in some cases, education, and training.

Who Can Apply?

The 2023 CIP program will apply to eligible affordable and rental housing proposals in the Town of Cobourg in accordance with the CIP program requirements. Proposals may be submitted by:

• Cobourg property owners
• Community agencies
• Non-profit and for-profit residential developers planning to build new affordable and/or rental housing dwelling units and/or transitional housing in Cobourg
• Non-profit and for-profit residential developers planning to convert non-residential buildings to new affordable housing dwelling units and/or rental housing in Cobourg
• Cobourg homeowners planning to add a secondary dwelling unit to be rented out in their owner-occupied home

Application Deadline

Application Form

The Town of Cobourg strongly encourages all interested applicants to speak with a member of our planning staff to ensure eligibility of your project prior to submitting an application. 

To contact the planning department:
Email: msmirnova@cobourg.ca 

Phone: 905-372-1005

Supporting Documents:

• Accessory Dwelling (2 units or less) - Application Checklist 
• Three or more Units - Application Checklist 
  
  

Application Forms:

• Application Form - Accessory Dwellings (2 units or less)
• Application Form - 2+ Units

Contact Information

For additional information regarding the Affordable and Rental Housing CIP or for assistance with your application, contact the Planning Department at:

Victoria Hall, 2nd Floor 
55 King St. West, Cobourg 

Phone: 905-372-1005
Email: planninginfo@cobourg.ca.

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