St. Catharines ADU Grants are expected to return in 2026, and homeowners across the city are already getting ready. If you are considering a detached accessory dwelling unit on your property, this funding could reduce your construction costs by a significant amount. The last time the program opened, interest was extremely high and the available money was claimed far sooner than expected. Many homeowners were not prepared and missed their chance.
If you want a strong shot at securing funding in 2026, you cannot wait for the official announcement. You need to start preparing now so you are ready the moment applications open.
Why St. Catharines Is Likely Bringing Back ADU Funding
Ontario continues to face intense pressure for more rental housing. Accessory dwelling units are one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to increase supply without major development. St. Catharines has already updated its zoning and building rules to support detached ADUs, and the city’s Community Improvement Plan outlines exactly how these grants work.
The 2025 program offered up to seventy per cent of eligible project costs. Detached ADUs were eligible for as much as eighty thousand dollars per property. With demand still rising and the city focused on increasing gentle density, many industry professionals expect a similar program for 2026.
Nothing is guaranteed until the City of St. Catharines makes an official announcement. However, all signs point in the same direction, and the smartest homeowners are preparing early.
Why You Cannot Wait for the City to Announce the Program
When the ADU funding program opened previously, the demand was overwhelming. The available funds were claimed much faster than anyone expected. Once the budget is allocated, that is it. If you are still trying to gather documents or get drawings approved, you will not be able to apply in time.
The city requires a complete package before your application can be reviewed. That includes:
- Approved building permit drawings
- A building permit issued
- A detailed breakdown of eligible project costs
- Photos of the build area
- A complete site plan showing setbacks and building dimensions
- Utility plans and service information
- Declarations and compliance confirmations
None of these can be rushed. Homeowners who want the best possible chance at receiving St. Catharines ADU Grants need to put the work in now.
What You Should Be Doing Today to Prepare
Here are the steps proactive homeowners are taking before the 2026 ADU program is officially announced.
- Confirm zoning and feasibility: Not every backyard or lot can support a detached ADU. A feasibility check tells you what you can build, how large it can be and whether you need variances.
- Start your design and site planning: This is the most time-consuming stage. You will need site measurements, layout options, utility considerations and full building plans that meet the Ontario Building Code.
- Gather your utility quotes: Hydro, water, sewer and internet trenching and connections will all need to be included. The city wants itemized estimates, not rough guesses.
- Get in a builder’s queue: Once the next round of funding is announced, builders will fill up quickly. Homeowners who already have feasibility, drawings and quotes in progress will move ahead of everyone else.
Why Starting Early Puts You Ahead of the Competition
St. Catharines ADU Grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis. If you submit a complete, polished application in the early days of the program, your chances are significantly stronger. If you wait until after the announcement, you will be competing with people who already spent months preparing.
- Getting ready early means:
- Your site plan is done
- Your design is ready
- Your quotes are complete
- Your building permit is already in progress
- Your application can be submitted immediately
This is how homeowners secure funding, and this is exactly why you should not delay.
If You Want To Be Ready for 2026, Smart Home Designs Niagara Can Help
At Smart Home Designs Niagara, we help St. Catharines homeowners get fully prepared for ADU funding. That includes zoning reviews, site plans, drawings, utility guidance and everything you need to build a complete application package.
If the 2026 St. Catharines ADU Grants open and you are not ready, you risk missing out again. If you prepare now, you give yourself every advantage.
To check if your property qualifies and to build your plan, book a discovery call with us. Let us make sure you are ready the moment the city opens the next round of funding.
Contact Smart Home Design Niagara
City of St. Catharines ADU Program:https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/planning-and-development/adu-program.aspx
Ontario Housing Supply Initiatives: https://www.ontario.ca/page/housing-supply-action-plan