On April 14, 2025, Newmarket Council held the first in what will be a series of public workshops and discussions focused on Detached Additional Residential Units (DARUs) also known as garden suites, coach houses, or granny flats.

These small, self-contained homes built in the backyards of existing properties are gaining momentum across Ontario as innovative and practical solutions to the province’s housing affordability challenges.

Why DARUs?

In Newmarket, we know the demand for diverse and flexible housing options is growing. Whether it's families supporting aging parents, young adults looking for an affordable place to live, or homeowners hoping to make better use of their land, DARUs offer real, community-based solutions, without changing the overall character of our neighbourhoods.

DARUs can support:

Aging in place for seniors
Multi-generational living
Affordable rental options
Compact, environmentally responsible development

Understanding Bill 23: More Homes Built Faster

Our exploration of DARUs is guided by Bill 23: More Homes Built Faster Act, provincial legislation that requires municipalities to permit up to three residential units per urban lot, including detached structures like DARUs, without development charges or minimum unit size requirements.

Learn more: Bill 23 Overview – Ontario Government

While this provincial direction is clear, how we implement it locally is not one-size-fits-all. Municipalities have the ability to shape where and how these units are introduced taking into consideration lot sizes, building height, rear yard setbacks, servicing, and more.

What We Learned at the Workshop

At the April 14th session, Town staff and Council reviewed:

3D models of different lot types and how a detached unit might fit within them
Preliminary data suggesting that with a 3.0-metre rear setback, approximately 7,300 residential lots in Newmarket could accommodate a detached unit
Fire access, utilities, and parking needs
The potential for heritage preservation and design guidance

One key takeaway: while the opportunity is significant, so is our responsibility to ensure a thoughtful and transparent approach.

We’re Not Alone

Newmarket is not navigating this in isolation. Many other Ontario municipalities are actively developing their own DARU frameworks in response to Bill 23:

Mississauga: Garden Suites Program
Barrie: Additional Dwelling Units
Richmond Hill: Second Suites Overview

Like Newmarket, these municipalities have explored how to provide new housing options while maintaining the character and livability of their communities.

Next Steps & Community Engagement

No decisions have been made. This is just the beginning of a collaborative planning process. In the coming months, you can expect:

Public meetings to gather feedback
Draft zoning bylaw amendments for review
Ongoing workshops and online updates
Opportunities to share your voice

We are committed to developing a made-in-Newmarket solution that reflects our values and supports housing for all generations including our seniors.

Learning together

For updates and ways to get involved, please visit:
🔗 Town of Newmarket – Planning & Development
🔗 Bill 23 Overview – Ontario Government

Together, we will explore the possibilities of housing solutions that are inclusive, accessible, and adaptablemeeting the needs of seniors aging in place, young adults seeking affordability, and families growing together under one roof.

Let’s work together to ensure Newmarket remains a vibrant, welcoming place for everyone—at every stage of life.

Warm regards,
Councillor Kelly Broome
Ward 6 | Town of Newmarket

Opening the Conversation on Housing Options in Newmarket