Barrie, ON: Building a Secondary Suite or Additional Unit in 2026 (And the Incentives to Know)

More and more Barrie homeowners are looking at secondary suites and additional residential units (ARUs) as a practical way to create flexibility at home—whether that’s housing a parent, giving an adult child a place to live, or generating rental income to help offset today’s ownership costs.

The good news: Barrie has specific 2026 incentives that can reduce costs, and there are regional funding programs that may stack on top—if your project qualifies.

Below is a clear, homeowner-friendly overview of what’s possible, what the City is offering in 2026, and how to approach a secondary-unit project with fewer surprises.
 

What counts as a “secondary unit” in Barrie?

In plain terms, a secondary unit is a separate, self-contained living space on a residential property. In Barrie’s programs, you’ll often see this discussed as an Additional Residential Unit (ARU).

Common examples include:

• Basement or in-home suites (interior conversions)

• Additions that create a second/third unit

• Detached units like a coach house / garden suite (where zoning allows)

• In some cases, multiple units on one lot, depending on the property and compliance requirements

Why homeowners are doing this now

A well-planned secondary unit can:

• Support multi-generational living without sacrificing privacy

• Create rental income (long-term rentals are a common goal)

• Add utility and resale appeal for certain buyer segments

• Help address the region’s need for more housing options

Barrie’s 2026 ARU Incentive Program: what it offers

For 2026, the City of Barrie is:

• Reducing ARU building permit application fees by 50% in 2026

• Offering full rebates of the ARU permit application fees if you achieve occupancy (or final interior inspection) within 12 months of permit issuance

Key timing details (important):

• Applications accepted January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (or until funding is allocated)

• Projects must be completed by December 31, 2027

What’s typically eligible:

• ARUs added to single detached, semi-detached, or street townhouse dwellings

• Interior conversions, additions, detached ARUs (subject to zoning), and certain new multi-unit configurations (with limits on which fees are discounted)

Barrie Bonus: an extra $15,000 top-up (if you qualify)

Barrie also offers a separate program called the Barrie Bonus for Affordable Additional Residential Units, which provides:

• A one-time $15,000 top-up to homeowners approved for funding through the County of Simcoe’s Secondary Suites Program

• Funding is limited and generally first-come, first-served

How it generally works (high level):

1. Apply for County of Simcoe Secondary Suites funding first (you must be approved there before Barrie Bonus applies).

2. Confirm interest in the Barrie Bonus once the County approves you.

3. Enter into the City agreement; the bonus is issued after your permit is approved/issued (per program steps).

Notable considerations:

• Your property must meet applicable planning and building code requirements

• The ARU generally must not be within lands regulated by a Conservation Authority

• Property taxes must be paid and in good standing

Simcoe Region Secondary Suite Program: what to know

The County of Simcoe’s Secondary Suites Program is the “gateway” for the Barrie Bonus top-up. On the City of Barrie program page, the County program is described as offering up to $50,000 per unit, with applications accepted year-round, and funding awarded on a limited, first-come basis

Because program details (like max rent and tenant income limits) can change, it’s worth confirming the current criteria directly on the County program page before budgeting your project.

A smart “before you build” checklist

If you’re thinking about a secondary unit in 2026, here are the key steps that tend to keep projects on track:

• Confirm zoning + feasibility early (what type of unit, parking, entrances, setbacks, servicing, etc.)

• Get a realistic budget (design + permits + construction + any upgrades)

• Plan for inspections and timelines (especially if you’re trying to meet the 12-month rebate window)

• Run the numbers on rent (and understand affordability requirements if you’re pursuing the County program/Barrie Bonus)

• Think resale strategy: not every layout adds value equally—design matters.

Want a second opinion before you commit?

If you’d like, I can help you evaluate:

• Which properties and layouts tend to work best for secondary units in Barrie

• How an ARU might impact resale value and buyer appeal in your neighbourhood

• A practical “next steps” plan so you’re not guessing at permits, timelines, or ROI

Official program pages (as referenced)