Housing

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 Housing in Caledon

We’re growing fast and are expected to reach 300,000 people by 2051. To make sure everyone has a place to live, the Town has set housing goals: 

  • No more than 50% of new homes will be detached houses 

  • At least 25% will be rentals 

  • At least 30% will be affordable housing 

  • More homes can have extra units like basement apartments 

Why it matters
The demand for all housing types, including affordable housing, will grow exponentially as the population and demographic of our community changes. As more people move here, we need different types of homes people can afford to support livability in our community for generations to come. 

The Housing Needs Assessment explains what types of homes we need, how big they should be, and what they should cost. 
The Town’s Commitment 
Caledon wants to grow while keeping its rural charm.


We are: 

  • Building all kinds of homes—like townhouses and apartments 

  • Making it easier to build homes 

  • Engaging with residents about growth plans 


To do this, we request the Province: 

  • Provide more funding for roads and other services in new areas 

  • Offer support for Caledon's planning timelines 

  • To consider a stop to Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZOs) that compromise Caledon’s commitment to enabling housing choice. To limit early appeals that don’t match the Town’s plans.


View a copy of Caledon’s Housing Pledge. 
The Housing Accelerator Fund 
We’re also working with the Government of Canada through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) program. Administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), this federal fund is aimed at boosting housing supply, while supporting affordable, eco-friendly and diverse neighbourhoods. 
Caledon’s Housing Action Plan 

We received nearly $14 million from the HAF to help build 2,628 more homes by 2028. The money comes in four yearly payments. 

To do this, the Town is working on eight key steps:

  1. Streamlined processes and systems – An online portal to help people apply to build homes more easily. 

  2. Incentives for Multiplexes and Accessory Residential Units (ARUs) – Designing a housing incentive program and implementation plan. 
  3. Expediting Housing in Strategic Growth Areas – Aligning Town policies with best practices that support a full mix and range of uses. 
  4. Developing a Missing Middle Housing Program for Urban Areas – Allowing increased housing density that ensures the availability of middle housing types that are lacking in Caledon. 
  5. Expanding Housing Options in Rural Areas – Updating zoning by-laws to streamline approvals for secondary units and fourplexes on rural lots, making it easier to build backyard homes and modular housing. 
  6. Establishing a Vacant Land Program for Affordable and Attainable Housing – Developing an incentive program for rental housing on Town-owned land. 
  7. Implementing a Community Planning Permit System – Introducing a tool to streamline development approvals and speed up housing delivery. 


Work on all of these items is underway. Updates will be shared as they move forward. 
Secondary Planning in Caledon’s 2051 New Urban Area 

The Town has prepared a guide for Secondary Planning to help shape the future growth of our new urban areas up to 2051.

It shows what types of homes can be built and where, and includes rules for: 

  • Housing types 

  • Parks, roads, and services 

  • Climate and environment 

  • Community design 


The guide outlines: 

  • What a Secondary Plan is: A detailed land use plan built under the Town’s Official Plan. 

  • The Planning Process: How landowners, developers, Indigenous Communities and the public are engaged through each planning phase. 

  • Key Requirements: What studies and documents are needed to support new communities. 

  • Focus Areas: Protecting the natural environment, adapting to climate change, ensuring a variety of housing options, creating vibrant, connected and sustainable communities. 


To learn more, view the full Guide for Secondary Planning in the new 2051 Urban Area.  
Public Meetings
Development Application Dashboard

The Town has created a dashboard which provides a single view of development activity, housing updates, and approved application. 

It can be accessed by clicking here:

screenshot of development dashboard

 

 
Pre-Approved Detached Additional Residential Unit ("ARU", "Garden Suite") Drawings

The Town of Caledon is pleased to offer pre-approved building plans for one-bedroom and studio ARU's, making it easier for homeowners to build a detached ARU on their property.

Detached ARUs are self-contained units that typically cooking, living, sleeping and washroom facilities. If you're looking to build a detached ARU on your property, you can choose to build one of the Town's pre-approved models and use those plans for your building project.

A Schedule 1 form along with a site plan are still required along with your building permit application. For more information on applying for a building permit, please visit our Building Services page here.

Pre-approved Plans

Site Plan

In addition to the pre-approved plans, we need a detailed site plan to ensure your detached ARU meets the zoning requirements. For this, you may find your zoning requirements here or connect with Zoning Staff at zoning@caledon.ca for further guidance. 

Your site plan should clearly indicate the following:

  • All property lines, existing structures, proposed structures  with overall dimensions and include setback dimensions
  • Dimensioned parking areas, driveways, hard and soft landscapes
  • Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions to include lot area, building area (GFA) and lot coverage.

Schedule 1: Designer Form

When using the pre-approved drawings as a homeowner, you are exempt by the registration and qualifications requirements of the Building Code. This declaration is needed on the Schedule 1 when applying for a building permit. For questions, please connect with our Building Services team at 905-584-2272 x 2233 or buildingpermits@caledon.ca. 

More information, including an ARU guide and updated zoning requirements will be coming in October 2025.
Contact Us 
For more information on housing in Caledon, contact housing@caledon.ca. 

 

Community Planning Permit System (CPPS)

We are piloting a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) within the potential Bolton South Major Transit Station Area (MTSA). The CPPS willhelp streamline the development applications in the area and support the implementation of the Bolton Secondary Plan, which is being developed concurrently by the Town. The CPPS is also part of the Town’s initiatives under the Housing Accelerator Fund.   

A map of the proposed CPPS area can be viewed here.   

 What is CPPS?
Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) is a land use planning tool that streamlines development approvals by combining three separate approval processes: Zoning by-law amendments, Minor variances and Site plan applications into a single permit application and review process.  

 

CPPS will be implemented through a Community Planning Permit (CPP) By-law. Once approved, it replaces the Town’s Zoning By-law as it applies to the area.

Click here for the draft CPP By-law.  
Engagement Opportunities

The Town is hosting public sessions to provide information and receive feedback on the draft CPP By-law:  

Public Open House (In-person)  

  • Date: October 14, 2025 
  • Time: 5:00 to 6:30 PM 
  • Location: Hall B, Caledon East Community Complex, 6215 Old Church Road, Caledon East 

 

Statutory Public Meeting (In-person and Virtual)  

  • Date: October 21, 2025 
  • Time: 7:00 PM (Start time) 
  • Location: Planning and Development Committee, Council Chambers, 6311 Old Church Road, Caledon East  

Learn More

 

Questions? Contact Caledon’s Planning Department at:
 

Taral Shukla 

Senior Planner, Policy 

Planning and Development 

Phone: 905-584-2272 ext. 4037 

Email: taral.shukla@caledon.ca  

 

Building an Additional Residential Unit (ARU)

An ARU provides homeowners with flexible options to create independent living spaces on their property. It is a separate living space that is located on the same property as a primary home. These units are fully livable as they are equipped with their own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.

Types of ARUs
 

There are three main types of ARUs you can build on your property: 

  • Internal ARUs – located within the main home (e.g. basement or attic) 

  • Attached ARUs – built as an addition to the main house (e.g. side or rear addition) 

  • Detached ARUs – stand-alone units located on any yard, except a front yard (e.g. backyard unit) 

 

Each type offers different advantages depending on the size of your lot, budget, and needs.  
 Why Build an ARU?

 

Building an ARU has several benefits for homeowners and residents of Caledon:  

 

  • They provide a flexible housing option for older adults that want to remain in their community while downsizing to a smaller space 
     

  • ARUs support multi-generational living by offering separate yet connected living arrangements. 
     

  • Renting out an ARU can generate additional income to help with mortgage payments or maintenance costs of the primary house. 
     

  • They can increase the value of your home by creating additional living spaces and rental opportunities 
     

  • ARUs make existing land use and services more efficient through gentle growth 

 

ARUs help expand Caledon’s housing supply in a way that addresses the needs of current and future residents.   
 Zoning Regulations

The Town of Caledon’s Zoning By-law 2006-50 regulates land use and sets certain rules such as (but not limited to) lot sizes and dimensions, building/structure location on a property, building massing and heights, setbacks and parking requirements. The Zoning By-law also regulates specific uses, such as Additional Residential Units (ARUs). These rules vary depending on the parent zone of the property (i.e. R1, A1, etc.).   

 

Specific provisions for ARUs are in Section 4 of the Zoning By-law. These include: 

  • If ARUs are allowed on the property (whether in the dwelling or elsewhere) 

  • The number of ARUs allowed on the property 

  • How many parking spaces you need for each ARU and how they’re calculated 

  • Where an ARU can be located on the property 

  • What the maximum height and size of a detached ARU can be 

There are areas in Caledon where ARUs are further restricted or outright prohibited. It’s important to understand your zoning permissions prior to making significant investments in your ARU. Any ARU must comply with our zoning bylaw to operate legally and obtain a building permit. 

 

If you need help finding your property’s zone, you can use the maps on the Town's Zoning page, or contact staff during regular business hours (contact information below). If you can’t meet the zoning requirements, please contact the planning team to see if there are opportunities to get relief from the requirements.  

 

Preparing for Your Project

Costs to Consider 

When building an ARU on your property, it is important to start with a clear and detailed budget. Understanding the full range of costs – from design and permitting to construction and utilities – will help you create a financing plan. Expenses will vary depending on the type of ARU project.  

  • Initial Design and Construction Costs 

  • Materials (wood, shingles, pipes, electrical panel) 

  • Labor 

  • Equipment 

  • Consultant fees (designer/architect, surveyor, heritage consultant, etc.) 

  • Financing 

  • Insurance 

  • Utility connection fees (where applicable) 
     

  • Costs to Consider for Applications and Permits 

  • Building permits 

  • New driveway or driveway widening permit 

  • Committee of Adjustment fees (if your proposal requires relief from zoning) 

Draft Your Plans  

Typically, you’ll work with an architect or BCIN designer to prepare your project plans (layout, elevations, construction details, etc.).  
 
To save on this cost for detached ARUs, the Town of Caledon is pleased to offer pre-approved building plans for one-bedroom and studio ARU's for residents to use. This reduces potential design costs and pre-approved plans generally will reduce the time required to process and issue a Building Permit. 

A Schedule 1 form along with a site plan are still required along with your building permit application. For more information on applying for a building permit, please visit our Building Services page here. 

Pre-approved Plans 

 

Site Plan 

In addition to the pre-approved plans, we need a detailed site plan to ensure your detached ARU meets the zoning requirements. For this, you may find your zoning requirements here or connect with Zoning Staff at zoning@caledon.ca for further guidance.  

Your site plan should clearly indicate the following: 

  • All property lines, existing structures, proposed structures with overall dimensions and include setback dimensions 

  • Dimensioned parking areas, driveways, hard and soft landscapes 

  • Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions to include lot area, building area (GFA) and lot coverage. 

 

Schedule 1: Designer Form 

When using the pre-approved drawings as a homeowner, you are exempt by the registration and qualifications requirements of the Building Code. This declaration is needed on the Schedule 1 when applying for a building permit. For questions, please connect with our Building Services team at 905-584-2272 x 2233 or buildingpermits@caledon.ca. 

 

Registering Your ARU 

Homeowners who have an ARU on their property (whether rented to a tenant or not) will be required to be registered with the Town. This applies to any ARU located within the Town of Caledon, whether new or existing. 

 

Further information will be available soon.  

 

Occupying the ARU 

Once final occupancy has been issued and the ARU is licensed, you may occupy/rent out your ARU. There are fines and other potential risks associated with unlicensed or otherwise work done without a building permit.  

Need Help?

  • Planning & Zoning Questions: Contact Planning Services at planning@caledon.ca or 905-584-2272 x. 7338  

  • Building Code & Permits: Contact Building Services at building@caledon.ca or 905-584-2272 x. 2233