At a time when there is talk of a housing crisis in Quebec, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could be part of the solution. These apartments, built on the grounds of a principal residence or within it, are enjoying a resurgence of interest, given their significant economic, environmental and social benefits.

By the way, what exactly is an ADU? Urban planning firm L’Arpent explains that this translation of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) “refers to a secondary residence built on a lot already occupied by a principal residence. An ADU can take the form of a backyard house, a garden pavilion, a garage converted into a dwelling or an addition to the main building “, such as a new floor.

The advantages and principles of UHA

In Canada, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and almost all Ontario municipalities authorize certain types of UHA. In the U.S., several cities, including Portland, Seattle and Santa Cruz, also do so. There are a number of advantages to allowing such housing.

Meeting the needs of several groups of citizens

Keeping seniors at home, facilitating access to home ownership for young households or to affordable housing for people on low incomes – these are all things that UHAs promote, thanks to the significant savings they generate (see below). These effects are particularly welcome during periods of population ageing and significant rises in house prices and rents.

Reducing costs and bringing generations closer together

These savings are diverse and can be very substantial, especially for residents of intergenerational homes. These homes typically house two households, such as grandparents and the family of one of their children. As Emmanuel Cosgrove, Director of Écohabitation, points out in the article

The winning formula of intergenerational homes, published in Les Affaires,  these two households ” save the equivalent of a heating bill for a 5 ½ apartment, which is over $1500 per year. This amount is in addition to sharing a single cable and internet bill, as well as a single municipal and school tax account for both households.” And this is not to mention other expenses that are sometimes shared, such as the mortgage payment for the house, or even eliminated, such as daycare fees if the grandparents agree to provide free childcare for their grandchildren when the parents work outside. Furthermore, it’s not just about money. What’s best for our seniors : living with their children and grandchildren or confining them to large elderly housing complexes? Asking the question is answering it…

Optimizing municipal infrastructures

By increasing the number of inhabitants in the areas concerned, UHAs maximize the use of public infrastructure (sewers, waterworks, roads, schools, etc.), generating appreciable savings for municipalities.

Create additional revenues for municipalities and property owners

UHAs represent new property revenues for municipalities. What’s more, if landlords offer these units for rent, they also generate additional income.

Combating global warming

Urban sprawl is a scourge for the environment, since it requires the multiplication of new infrastructures, increased energy consumption and polluting travel between cities and their distant suburbs. By densifying the urban population, UHA helps to counteract this sprawl.

Challenges for UHA

Alas, too many of our municipalities discourage the construction of such units by restrictive regulations, or ban them outright. As a result, a large number of them are never built or remain illegal, with all the inconveniences that this can bring. Of course, you can’t develop or build just anything, anywhere, anyhow. UHAs, for example, must remain ancillary to the main building. What’s more, their integration must be harmonious, while respecting the privacy of neighbors and certain environmental considerations. That said, in Quebec, our municipalities, and especially our larger cities, should be more flexible and even provide incentives to encourage UHAs. In fact, it’s surprising that these local governments don’t do so, since a survey conducted by the firm L’Arpent and analyzed in

Accessory dwelling units in Quebec – The state of play shows that ” the vast majority of municipalities are in favor of the development of UHAs on their territory  ” and that UHAs ” are experiencing a marked interest among populations, particularly when they are authorized by municipalities  “. Fortunately, more and more of our cities are starting to take action. Such is the case of Laval, which now allows the addition of an extra dwelling unit to a principal residence. Longueuil is also taking an interest in the issue. At the Sommet de l’habitation held in August 2022, Mayor Catherine Fournier, aware that her city has a lot of large lots with a big house, said she was interested in the possibility of allowing small accessory dwellings to be built on them. Just goes to show that even in real estate, small can be beautiful for many reasons! To find out more

• Accessory Housing Units in Quebec – The State of Affairs by the Urban Planning Firm L’Arpent, February 2022.
• Accessory Housing Units – Guide to Key Principles and Best Practices by the Urban Planning Firm L’Arpent, February 2022.
• Another Article from the Ayotte Team : 4 Tips to Sell Your Commercial Real Estate Quickly and at the Best Price.

Are you looking to buy or sell an industrial, commercial, office or multi-unit building? Tell us about your project, and we’ll be happy to help you make it a success. Contact us today.