Kincardine council received an update on the municipality’s housing initiatives.
The update came in a report from staff, showing that the groundwork was done to allow for more housing development, and to outline that tangible goals were set looking to the future.
“There are three goals in the housing action plan… supporting a wider variety of diverse housing types including more rental options, proactively planning for future housing growth, and advocating, collaborating, and communicating on housing needs and supports,” explained Manager of Strategic Initiatives Lorie Fioze.
The Municipality of Kincardine approved a Housing Action Plan in 2022 to advance local housing affordability and availability.
“There’s been some significant policy and program changes that council has heard and approved as you’ve gone through your term, to really enable a broader range of housing types,” she said.
The comprehensive zoning by-law was updated in 2025, using what Fioze calls a housing-friendly lens.
The changes allow more housing types, smaller lots, and greater density.
Accessory residential units are now permitted, and will be supported by a new construction guide that will be rolled out at the home show in April. The guide will help homeowners in developing an accessory dwelling unit on their property.
Staff was also able to advocate and create awareness for different housing issues, including meetings at conferences held by the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
“We did do a housing marketing campaign last year, highlighting the varied housing forms, and how to communicate that information to the public.”
Council received the report as information.
After discussion, council requested that Mayor Kenneth Craig and establish a Housing Ad-Hoc Committee. A report with a proposal will come back to council at their next meeting on March 25th.