An Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained residential unit with its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. An ADU may be located within an existing home or constructed as a separate building on the same property. Common names for ADUs include basement apartments, in-law suites, coach houses, laneway houses, garden suites, and accessory dwelling units.
According to the City’s current by-laws and policies, a single ADU is permitted on any lot containing a single-detached, semi-detached, townhouse, or street townhouse dwelling. However, provincially, the rules state that three ADUs are permitted “by-right” under certain circumstances. The City must comply with the provincial rules.
Port Colborne was recently approved for provincial funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund, which requires the City to allow up to four ADUs in certain circumstances. As a result, the City is required to adjust our current policies and by-laws to accommodate these changes. This survey will help gather community feedback to inform our updated policies and regulations.
Residents are encouraged to provide their feedback by September 23, 2025.
Interested residents are also invited to attend a drop-in open house to learn more or ask questions on Tuesday, September 16 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Golden Puck Room at the Vale Health & Wellness Centre.
For more information, please visit www.portcolborne.ca/adu
According to the City’s current by-laws and policies, a single ADU is permitted on any lot containing a single-detached, semi-detached, townhouse, or street townhouse dwelling. However, provincially, the rules state that three ADUs are permitted “by-right” under certain circumstances. The City must comply with the provincial rules.
Port Colborne was recently approved for provincial funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund, which requires the City to allow up to four ADUs in certain circumstances. As a result, the City is required to adjust our current policies and by-laws to accommodate these changes. This survey will help gather community feedback to inform our updated policies and regulations.
Residents are encouraged to provide their feedback by September 23, 2025.
Interested residents are also invited to attend a drop-in open house to learn more or ask questions on Tuesday, September 16 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Golden Puck Room at the Vale Health & Wellness Centre.
For more information, please visit www.portcolborne.ca/adu