Barrie homeowners may qualify for up to $65,000 for eligible secondary suites
Simcoe County offers up to $50,000 for eligible secondary or garden suites, and Barrie may add a $15,000 top-up for approved projects.
Last updated: April 2026
Quick funding breakdown
County of Simcoe
Up to $50,000
Secondary Suites Program funding for eligible secondary or garden suites.
City of Barrie Bonus
$15,000
One-time top-up available after County approval.
Total potential support
Up to $65,000
Subject to approval, affordable rental requirements, and available funding.
Subject to approval, affordable rental requirements, and available funding.
This is not a general renovation grant
This funding is for homeowners creating a legal rental unit that will be rented under affordable housing rules. It is not for homeowners who want full market rent flexibility.
Whether the project is a basement apartment or a detached garden suite, the funding rules need to be considered before design, permits, or pricing are finalized. Start with Barrie Basement Apartment Permits for interior suites or Barrie Garden Suites for detached-unit planning before assuming the funding stack fits the project the same way.
How the $50,000 County funding works
The County of Simcoe Secondary Suites Program is the main funding layer in the Barrie stack.
The headline amount only matters if the project still works on the property and in the budget. That is why most homeowners compare Barrie Secondary Suite Costs with Barrie ARU Eligibility before they rely on the County funding as a real project plan.
Up to $50,000 per unit
Applies to eligible secondary suites and garden suites
Structured as a 15-year forgivable loan
Funding is forgiven over time if the homeowner follows the program rules
Funding is limited and first-come, first-served
Projects that are ready to begin construction may be prioritized
How the $15,000 Barrie Bonus works
Barrie adds a second layer of support, but only after the County approval step.
Homeowners who are also looking at permit-related savings should compare this with Barrie ARU Permit Rebate.
The Barrie Bonus is a one-time $15,000 top-up
The homeowner must first be approved for the County of Simcoe Secondary Suites Program
The County then provides the Barrie Bonus application process
It is not applied for separately before County approval
The affordable rental requirement
The unit must be rented at a program-approved affordable rent. This means the homeowner does not freely set the rent at full market price. Tenant and rent rules are controlled by the program.
If you are unsure whether your property and rental plan line up with program conditions, start with Barrie ARU Eligibility.
What happens if you sell early?
The homeowner is not physically locked into the property for 15 years, but the loan forgiveness is tied to continued compliance. If the property is sold or program rules are broken before the forgiveness period is complete, the remaining unforgiven balance may need to be repaid.
Typical Barrie ARU Path
Most homeowners understand the funding stack fastest when they move through the core Barrie questions in a practical order.
Who this may be good for
The funding stack is powerful for the right homeowner, but it is not a fit for every project.
Good fit
Homeowners planning a legal basement apartment
Homeowners considering a garden suite
Homeowners comfortable with affordable rental rules
Homeowners looking for long-term rental income
Homeowners who want help understanding if the program is worth it
Not ideal
Homeowners who want full market rent
Homeowners who may sell soon
Homeowners who do not want long-term rental obligations
Homeowners who only want a personal-use basement renovation
Frequently asked questions
These are the questions that usually matter most before a Barrie homeowner decides whether the funding stack is worth pursuing.
How much funding can Barrie homeowners get for a secondary suite?
Barrie homeowners may qualify for up to $65,000 in combined support, with up to $50,000 through the County of Simcoe Secondary Suites Program and a possible $15,000 Barrie Bonus for projects approved through the County program.
Is the $65,000 a grant?
Not exactly. The County of Simcoe portion is described as a 15-year forgivable loan, not unrestricted free money. The funding is tied to program compliance, affordable rental rules, and continued eligibility over time.
Do I have to rent the unit below market rent?
The program requires the unit to be provided as an affordable rental unit under program rules. That means the rent is not freely set at full market levels, and affordable rent is defined by the program rather than by the homeowner alone.
Can I sell my house before the 15 years are over?
Yes, but the forgiveness structure is tied to continued compliance over the full term. If the property is sold early or the program conditions are broken before the forgiveness period ends, the remaining unforgiven balance may need to be repaid.
Can I apply for the Barrie Bonus first?
No. The Barrie Bonus only becomes available after the homeowner is approved through the County of Simcoe Secondary Suites Program. The County then provides the Barrie Bonus application process.
Does this apply to garden suites?
Yes. The County program materials indicate the funding can apply to both secondary suites and garden suites when the project meets program and approval requirements.
Is funding guaranteed?
No. Funding is limited, first-come, first-served, and subject to program approval and available funding. Project readiness and compliance with affordable rental rules also matter.
Barrie Secondary Suite Resources
Use these Barrie guides to compare funding, permits, costs, and project fit from one place.
Barrie Secondary Suite Funding
See how eligible Barrie homeowners may access up to $65,000 through County funding and the Barrie Bonus.
Explore guideBarrie ARU Permit Rebate
Understand Barrie’s permit fee reduction and rebate opportunity for eligible ARU projects.
Explore guideBarrie Basement Apartment Permits
Learn what permits are typically required to create a legal basement apartment in Barrie.
Explore guideBarrie Garden Suites
Review how detached garden suites work in Barrie and what homeowners should consider.
Explore guideBarrie Secondary Suite Costs
Understand typical cost ranges, funding impact, and permit-related expenses.
Explore guideBarrie ARU Eligibility
Check the main property, rental, and program factors that affect eligibility.
Explore guideFind out if your Barrie property is a fit
We help homeowners understand whether their basement suite or garden suite may fit the funding requirements before they move too far into design, permits, or construction.