A full house gathered at the Barrie Public Library on Thursday evening as residents came out to learn about adding secondary suites to their properties. Additional residential units (ARUs) include apartments, granny suites, coach houses, and split-level homes—any modification that transforms a traditional single-family home on a single lot to accommodate more residents. City staff were present to explain building permit rules and inspection requirements for prospective builders. The development of ARUs is a priority at both the provincial and federal levels, with government funding and loans available to encourage construction. City planners emphasized these “soft density” initiatives are an effective way to organically grow neighbourhoods while addressing the pressing need for more housing. “Secondary suites, ARUs, are an interesting topic in the city. Lots of people have interest in building them,” said Shelby White of the City of Barrie housing department.
