Secondary Suites

You can expand housing opportunities in the City of Kenora by adding a secondary unit to your property. A secondary dwelling unit is a single self-contained, rental apartment with its own kitchen and bathroom. While many are basement apartments, a unit can be installed on any floor of the house.

Getting started

Before you begin planning your secondary dwelling unit, you need to:

1. complete a building permit application
2. check the zoning of the property.

You can check the zoning maps for Kenora. To confirm whether a secondary dwelling unit is allowed, you may contact the Planning Division.

Secondary dwelling unit details

Secondary dwelling units can be created in an existing dwelling, existing accessory structure or as a new standalone dwelling, subject to the provisions of the Zoning By-law. 

A maximum of two secondary dwelling units are permitted in Urban Areas subject to specific requirements. The Urban Area is the following zones:

• R1 – Residential First Density Zone,
• R2 – Residential Second Density Zone,
• R3 – Residential Third Density Zone, and
• SH – Residential Small Home Zone 

A maximum of one secondary dwelling unit is permitted in Rural Areas subject to specific requirements. The Rural Area is the following zones:

• RU – Rural Zone
• RR – Rural Residential Zone 

You may contact the Planning Division at planning@kenora.ca for additional information regarding the specific requirements of Secondary Dwelling Units.

Existing units

If you built a secondary dwelling unit before they were allowed in the Zoning By-law, it is in your best interest to check with the Planning Division and Building Division to find out if your unit complies with the current zoning, Building Code, and Fire Code requirements.

While this may involve making changes to the unit or the building in order to comply, you and your tenants will have peace of mind knowing that the unit meets all of the City's requirements.

Having an illegal unit in your home may pose a safety or liability risk for you and may cause difficulties when you decide to sell your home.

Frequently asked questions

View our frequently asked questions to learn more about secondary suites.

What if I purchased a property that has an existing secondary unit and I found out that a building permit was never obtained for the legal construction of the unit? Am I able to keep the secondary unit?

Only if the unit complies with the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and the City of Kenora Zoning By-law.

I am purchasing a dwelling and the listing says that there is an existing Granny-suite. Are granny-suites or in-law suites different than secondary dwelling units?

No. The City of Kenora Zoning By-law does not have any regulations that define a granny-suite or in-law suite. If the dwelling is being advertised with a granny-suite or in-law suit, you should ensure that it has been permitted as a secondary dwelling unit with the City.

If I bought a dwelling that had an existing secondary dwelling does this make it legal (grandfathered)?

Not necessarily. You should always ensure that the secondary dwelling has been permitted with the City. If there is no documentation that the unit was built legally, the unit will be considered illegal until a permit is applied for and obtained.

What if the secondary dwelling unit was constructed over 30 years ago, which Provincial legislation applies?

If you can provide evidence that the unit existed before July 14, 1994, the Ontario Fire Code, Section 9.8 applies. Otherwise, any construction after 1994 is subject to the current Ontario Building Code.