Kitchener seeing a gradual increase in tiny homes
CTV
There's been a gradual increase in building permits for backyard homes in Kitchener. But these tiny homes aren't necessarily small.
It seems more people are taking advantage of a change that allows them to build tiny homes on Kitchener properties.
In June 2021, Kitchener city council made the switch and interest continues to grow.
There's been a gradual increase in building permits for backyard homes with nine in 2021, 16 in 2022, and 23 in 2023.
That’s a total of 48 permits since this type of new housing was allowed.
“The turnaround time is about two months," said Richard Kelly-Ruetz, senior planner for the City of Kitchener. "So if we see some that [permit request] come to the city in December, it may not be issued until January or February.”
The city added that it’s encouraged by the interest.
“One of the main things that Kitchener City Council was looking to do when they passed the bylaw in 2021 was really look at unlocking more housing options across Kitchener’s neighbourhoods, and that’s what was enabled by allowing backyard homes on most residential properties,” said Kelly-Ruetz.
