Housing

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
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.