Canada Tiny Home News
Homeless Veterans Move Into Village of Tiny Homes to Get Back on Their Feet Just in Time for Christmas Dec. 26th, 2019
A collaborative effort in Calgary, Alberta, has successfully built Canada’s first village of tiny homes to help rehabilitate the city’s homeless veteran community. The village welcomed its first tenants on Nov. 1, 2019, and hosts of people online are celebrating the inauguration of this incredible resource for ex-servicemen and women.
“The idea behind the village is to bring the veterans together so that they can interact and support each other,” veteran support worker Don Mcleod told CTV News.
Article Source The Epoch Times
City of Edmonton enables ‘tiny homes’ through zoning bylaw change Dec. 12th, 2019
EDMONTON, ALTA. – New zoning bylaw regulations will now allow tiny homes on foundations to be developed as single detached housing or garden suites across the city.
The new regulations remove a minimum width requirement of 5.5 metres for mobile homes located outside the city’s RMH Mobile Home Zone. The new rules also allow for “missing middle” housing by allowing clusters of tiny home developments in the RF5 Row Housing Zone.
“The tiny home movement has gained interest from those seeking a smaller living space. These changes increase housing choice and remove regulatory barriers for those interested in the tiny homes market,” City of Edmonton zoning bylaw senior planner Trevor Illingworth said.
Tiny homes are defined as small, self-contained and usually less than 40 square meters, the release stated, and can be divided into “tiny homes on foundations” and “tiny homes on wheels.” Those on foundations can be constructed on-site or manufactured off-site and then placed on a foundation.
Article Source Journal of Commerce
Tiny House Sheet Ontario
For the purposes of this guide, a “tiny home” is a small, private and self-contained dwelling unit:
- with living and dining areas
- with kitchen and bathroom facilities
- with a sleeping area
- intended for year-round use
A tiny home can be a primary home or a separate structure on a property that already has an existing house. Campers, recreational vehicles, cottages and other structures used on a seasonal basis are not considered tiny homes.
Article Source Ontario Building Code
Public will get its say at hearing on large Lake Cowichan development proposal Dec. 6th, 2019
A big turnout is expected at an upcoming public hearing about a comprehensive development proposal in a large area located on Hudgrove Road in Lake Cowichan.
The proposal by developer Stephen Yu and the Vancouver-based Ideal Investment Co Ltd. includes approximately 1,100 units of modular, mobile and other homes, more than 24 hectares dedicated to light industrial uses, a neighbourhood centre for commercial and other uses, almost 14 hectares of parks, and 53 hectares dedicated to an environmental preservation area.
But many local residents have concerns about the proposal, which is going to a pubic hearing on Dec. 9 at Centennial Hall, located on 309 South Shore Rd. in Lake Cowichan, starting at 6 p.m.
Ontario council approves tiny homes for homeless Dec. 3rd, 2019
The city of Ontario is joining forces with local organizations to help bring shelter for the area’s homeless population. The latest idea will place 15 to 20 tiny homes between Northeast 3rd Avenue and Northeast 2nd Avenue off North Oregon Street.
Officials plan to place 15 to 20 tiny homes, each 8-by-10 foot, at the location between Northeast 3rd Avenue and Northeast 2nd Avenue off North Oregon Street. The homes can accommodate one or two people, said Adam Brown, Ontario city manager.
The council decision was the culmination of a cooperative effort between the city, Community in Action and Origins Faith Community to help the growing homeless population in Ontario.
Article Source Malhuer Enterprise
Can tiny homes work in the Big Land? This Quebec company thinks so Dec. 1st, 2019
A Quebec company thinks it has a solution for housing challenges in Nunavik and other northern regions by fabricating modular tiny homes it says can stand up to the harsh climate and don’t cost a fortune.
Willie Gadbois, the co-founder of Nunavik Building, says the first shipment of a tiny house and a four-bedroom model arrived in Kuujjuaq this past summer.
District looking at creating micro village Nov. 29th, 2019
The District of Clearwater (DOC) is looking at the possibility of establishing a micro village within city limits in hopes of providing more affordable housing in the district.
A recommendation was made that DOC administration provide a report to council regarding the feasibility of constructing such a village, which is to include zoning and building requirements and is due in January 2020.
As the term micro village suggests, the homes that occupy them are much smaller than a traditional house and are much cheaper to own, which makes them appealing to the millennial market and those looking at breaking into the housing market.
One such project has popped up in Terrace, B.C. where a micro village of about 17 small homes has been constructed.
Article Source ClearWaterTimes
Orme tiny house stands up to Ontario’s winters Nov. 25th, 2019
Canadian firm Minimaliste ensures that all of its tiny houses are equipped to handle extremes in temperature, whether hot or cold. Its latest model, the Orme, is no exception and serves as a compact home on wheels for a couple in Ontario, Canada.
How Tiny Houses Became a Symbol of Resistance for Indigenous Women Nov. 19th, 2019
The mostly female coalition sees potential in tiny houses as symbolic tools for a revolution to retain what’s rightfully theirs. “This isn’t picketing and marching through the streets,” says Tiny House Warrior leader Kanahus Manuel, a Secwepemc land defender. “We are asserting our inherent, God-given right to our lands. We’re defending what’s ours, and tiny homes are how we’re doing it.”
2019 Affordable Housing Champion Award Nov. 17th, 2019
Veterans village of tiny homes pitched for north Edmonton Nov. 11th, 2019
The Homes for Heroes Foundation is hoping to open the doors to its second tiny home village by the end of 2020. The project would provide housing and supports for homeless veterans living in Edmonton.
The foundation said officials estimate 70 veterans experience homelessness in Edmonton after struggling to transition from their military careers to civilian life. Across Canada, that number grows to 3,500. Homes for Heroes’ director of fund development, Cameron Diggon, believes it is likely closer to 7,000.
Article Source Global News Canada
A village of 15 tiny houses designed for homeless veterans just opened in a Canadian city, and it charges veterans $600 a month to live there until they get back on their feet Nov 11th, 2019
A village of tiny homes for Canadian veterans in Calgary was opened to the public on October 28 and to tenants on November 1st, 2019. The project is led by the Homes for Heroes Foundation and provides homes and services to homeless veterans looking to get back on their feet.
Residents have to pay $600 a month in rent. According to Howard, those who need time and help accessing funding are not expected to pay rent until they have access.
Article Source Business Insider
Sale of $1 housing lots spells success for New Brunswick village Nov. 5th, 2019
MCADAM, N.B. — A year after a tiny village in New Brunswick announced it would sell 16 housing lots for one dollar apiece, the mayor says the novel bid to attract newcomers to McAdam has been an unqualified success.
“It was a great idea,” Ken Stannix said in an interview Tuesday. “But more importantly, it’s the ideas and the energy that these new people are bringing to the community and the province as a whole.”
As of this week, 10 of the lots have been sold and the remaining six have deals pending.
6 Tiny Houses For Sale In Canada That You Can Afford To Buy With An Entry-Level Salary Nov. 4th, 2019
With all the depressing news about the ever-rising cost of real estate in cities across Canada, owning a home seems like an impossible dream for many millennials. Especially in cities like Vancouver, where millennials need to make over $200,000 a year to afford the average home. Cheap houses for sale in Canada are hard to come by, but thankfully, tiny home living is on the rise.
By definition, tiny homes are self-contained units that are anywhere between 100 and 400-square-feet in size. They come in many shapes and sizes, but all are efficiently designed to save space. Much like minimalism and tossing out items that don’t “spark joy,” the tiny home movement is about living simply and being happy with less.
It’s move-in day at Calgary village of tiny homes for homeless veterans Nov. 1st, 2019
TORONTO – The recently-built village of tiny homes for Canadian veterans in Calgary is set to receive its new tenants today, as the Homes for Heroes Foundation marks the beginning of a pilot project to provide housing and other support to struggling ex-servicemen.
“The idea behind the village is to bring the veterans together so that they can interact and support each other,” said veteran support worker Don Mcleod on CTV’s Your Morning Friday.
New rules around adding granny flats and tiny homes gets Kitchener council approval Oct. 29th, 2019
Changes to residential bylaw will come into effect over the course of 2020, city staff say more granny flats, carriage houses and tiny houses could pop up in Kitchener next year now that rules have been changed to allow them.
During Monday night’s meeting, Kitchener councillors approved rules to allow the additional dwelling units as part of a new residential bylaw.
The changes would allow up to three residential units on a property, such as adding basement apartments, granny flats, an apartment over a garage or even place tiny houses on properties.
“You’ve been able to duplex your house in Kitchener for a long time. We’ve opened up the possibility for putting up to three units on the land,” says Tim Donegani, a senior planner with the city. “That’s going to apply across most low-rise residential properties in the city.”
Under provincial changes to the Planning Act, municipalities must allow property owners the option of creating up to three approved units per property. The new Kitchener rules also include allowing a separate building on the property. Donegani says with that, the city “went above and beyond those provincial requirements.”
Tiny Homes Could Soon be Coming to Amherstburg Oct. 29th, 2019
Tiny homes may soon become a reality in Amherstburg thanks to some big ideas from a group of local students.
The robotics team from Stella Maris Catholic Elementary School brought the idea to council in an effort to tackle the affordable housing backlog while cutting back on energy use, in turn, helping the environment.
Tiny homes, typically less than 500-square-feet, resemble a cabin or cottage, but include all the amenities of a larger home in a smaller space and at a fraction of the cost.
“We were trying to change the law of tiny houses so we can get a house that’s smaller for people who are just moving in and don’t have a big family and just want to get started with their life in a small house,” he says.
Council agreed to move forward on developing a bylaw to allow tiny homes in the town.
Tiny house communities have been popping up in several Canadian cities including Hamilton and Kingston with some using them as a way to provide housing for the homeless.
Windsor’s Mayor Interested in Tiny Homes Oct. 29th, 2019
Windsor’s mayor is interested in bringing tiny houses to the city but admits there are some challenges.
Speaking on the Morning Drive, Mayor Drew Dilkens says earlier this year, he asked administration about the issue and was told tiny homes are not allowed in Ontario due to the province’s building code act.
He says if the city is interested, tiny homes would have to be on wheels and the city would have to re-zone land as a trailer park.
“I approached our Chief Building Officer probably at the beginning of 2019 to have a conversation about this and I was left with the distinct impression that it’s really not allowed in the province of Ontario because of our building code act and that there are certain requirements for the construction of a residential dwelling that can’t be satisfied with a tiny home,” says Dilkens.
Canada Now Has Its First Ever Tiny House Village for Homeless Veterans Oct. 29th, 2019
More than a dozen former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have been forced to sleep on the streets will finally have proper roofs over their heads.
The “Homes for Heroes” Village in Calgary is the nation’s first housing complex built exclusively for homeless veterans—and its residents are ready to move in this weekend.
The village is made up of 15 houses, all of which have been equipped with everything from cable and internet to fully-functioning kitchens and outdoor decks.
Article Source GoodNewsNetwork
New rules around adding granny flats and tiny homes gets Kitchener council approval Oct. 29th, 2019
Kitchener homeowners could start building a tiny house or carriage house on their property in 2020 as part of a new residential bylaw. The city hopes it’s one way to address the affordable housing crunch. (Mark Crosby/CBC)
More granny flats, carriage houses and tiny houses could pop up in Kitchener next year now that rules have been changed to allow them.
During Monday night’s meeting, Kitchener councillors approved rules to allow the additional dwelling units as part of a new residential bylaw.
The changes would allow up to three residential units on a property, such as adding basement apartments, granny flats, an apartment over a garage or even place tiny houses on properties.
Homes For Heroes’ ATCO Village Grand Opening Event Oct. 28th, 2019
CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 23, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Join us on October 28 in Calgary for the grand opening of ATCO Village, a Homes For Heroes Foundation housing initiative designed to support Canadian Armed Forces veterans who are now experiencing homelessness. This is a private event for our stakeholders and the media to tour the village and meet with some of the key people responsible for the opening 908 ATCO Village, the first of many tiny home communities for our Canadian veterans.
Homes For Heroes Foundation was developed in response to the growing number of Canadian Armed Forces members returning to civilian life who are now facing crisis. Thousands of veterans are currently living on the streets in Canada and are having a challenging time integrating to civilian life. Homes For Heroes’ mandate is to build tiny home villages with full wraparound support services across Canada and to end the issue of homelessness among our Canadian veterans.
A tiny-house movement in Alberta hits a big wall Oct. 28th, 2019
Some residents fear the tiny homes will drive down property values. The controversy has been a dose of cold reality for those who imagine compact living as an answer to an ongoing housing crunch.
When Thomas Grenier was close to finishing his master’s degree in biomedical technology at the University of Calgary, he grew disenchanted with academic life and began considering his options. His grandfather, who had spent his entire career working for a construction company in Calgary, had barns full of rare cuts of wood—“bits and ends,” Grenier recalls, “that could easily be incorporated into a tiny home. I decided that I really wanted to live in a tiny home myself.”
Big interest in tiny homes Oct. 25th, 2019
Finished Right Contracting is the builder of these tiny homes on wheels and its facility is just outside of Morinville, northwest of Edmonton. When I arrived, I noticed a cute little tiny home ready for its new owner and three other tiny homes in different stages of production.
These tiny homes are a bit of a technological revolution and the cost is reflective of the quality of the custom build. They are designed to be comfortable, energy efficient residences in which you can live year around during our -40C winters, while taking up only a very small footprint on our environment.
All the insulation in these homes is spray foam, which seals better than traditional insulation, and provides an R22 insulation value in each of the homes, no matter the size you choose. They are built on large movable custom-built trailers specifically designed for each home. These trailers cost upwards of $12,000 and more.
Home trends: Small living space serves up big fun October 9th, 2019
In September, I was invited for an overnight stay in The Millennial — the first tiny home built by Ott — that now operates as an Airbnb in Campden, Ont., and which will be one of five structures on display at the tiny village. To truly ‘live’ the experience of a small space, I invited a friend along and asked a few others to drop by as well.
One of the biggest challenges, he said, is figuring out how to navigate zoning bylaws and the Ontario building code. Tay Valley Township between Kingston and Ottawa is one of the first in the province to allow tiny houses as primary dwellings, and Ott said he is currently in negotiations to build a 225-unit tiny house village in the Niagara area.
Canada’s first tiny-home hotel opens in Fernie October 8th, 2019
Jason Burt and Veronique Roy, owners of Snow Valley Lodging, are celebrating the completion of their new Tiny Home Hotel.
This six-unit complex is, they believe, the first of its kind in Canada.
The idea began when the couple started to consider upgrades to the lodge, located off Highway 3 at 1041 7th Avenue in Fernie.
The couple decided to replace what was then an RV Park extension of the lodge, and convert the space on the highway into a modern, one-of-a-kind tiny home hotel. Five years after the shovel first hit the ground, the units are complete.
Article SourceCoastmountainnews
8 of the coziest tiny house rentals in Canada Oct. 8th, 2019
f you’re fantasizing about building your own tiny home, the reality is that it may be more difficult than you think. In many municipalities, bylaws restrict building these micro structures — and then there’s the whole issue of actually living in a space that’s not much bigger than a tent.
The good news is that if you want to live out your dream — if only for a weekend — there are plenty of tiny house rentals across Canada. Here are eight of our favorites.
Tiny Homes pack A lot In 280 Square Feet October 7th, 2019
True North Tiny Homes brought two models to a Toronto home show recently, and it was fascinating to tour them, to see what’s changed in the last 15 years or so years since they first were on the radar. Daniel and JoAnna write on their website that tiny homes are affordable: “Tiny homes on trailers such as our model, The Millennial, cost under $100,000.” Versatile: “Tiny homes accommodate the people who struggle most to own, first time buyers and seniors.” And sustainable: “Tiny homes make the world a better place. In addition to easing the housing crunch, True North Tiny Homes can exist off the grid. Tiny homes that tap into existing infrastructure add density and diversity to a neighborhood.”
Big move on tiny houses: Edmonton committee green lights motion to update zoning bylaw Sept. 13th, 2019
The proposed changes would allow for the development of tiny homes and smaller homes as single-detached housing and garden suites. Rows of tiny houses could be coming, too, as long as they are 2.4 metres apart. Tiny homes on wheels, however, would be on hold while the city works on how to apply building codes.
Any changes still require approval from city council as well as a public hearing.
Article Source Edmonton Journal
Vancouver to consider allowing temporary modular housing throughout residential areas Sept. 10th, 2019
The motion, from Coun. Christine Boyle, would direct city staff to explore the possibility of building temporary modular housing in the lower-density residential neighborhoods that make up most of the city’s land.
In the past two years, Vancouver has built just over 600 units of temporary modular housing, a relatively fast-to-erect and inexpensive kind of prefabricated building, mostly funded by the province.
Small space, big impact: Tiny homes could soon be coming to Edmonton properties Sept 6th, 2019
To build multiple tiny homes on a single lot, the lot would have to be rezoned under the Row Housing Zone, which was approved by city council last week.
The homes would require a minimum of 2.4 metres of spacing and one parking spot per unit.
Project aims to give homeless veterans a roof over their heads and a supportive community August 30th, 2019
This is the Homes for Heroes Foundation’s first project, and Mr. Howard, a concert promoter, is one of its early and determined supporters. It is designed to help struggling veterans, police officers and first responders transition from living rough to living on their own.
Article Source The Globe and Mail
Proposed bylaw changes look to boost Edmonton tiny home development August 30th, 2019
Edmonton councillors will review proposed bylaw changes that could boost tiny home development after a city report suggests there is growing interest.
Tiny homes, usually under 400 square feet, can already be built as single-detached homes or garden suites in Edmonton so long as they’re constructed onsite and meet building codes.
Tiny homes ecovillage in Okotoks unlikely after Monday council vote August 20th, 2019
The Town of Okotoks won’t be holding a plebiscite on the future of a proposed village of eco-friendly tiny homes.
The small homes could also be used as “granny suites” for elders to live independently, but close to their families, Limonsin said. Or they could serve as a stepping stone out of the community’s homeless and women’s shelter.Article Source CBC News
Tiny homes making big waves in expensive housing markets August 9th, 2019
In step with this demand is the number of tiny-home producers on the market. From flat pack, self-assembly cabins, to repurposed shipping containers, to small homes on wheels, there is now something out there to suit every site and budget.
Montreal Is Hosting An Adorable Tiny House Festival Next Month August 9th, 2019
Petition against Okotoks tiny homes project garners 3,200 signatures August 1st, 2019
The push for affordable tiny homes in Okotoks has been met with huge local opposition after more than 10 per cent of the population signed a petition demanding the approval of the project be overturned.
Father of fallen soldier helping build tiny village for homeless veterans July 31st, 2019
A flagship community of tiny homes is set to make a huge difference in the lives of homeless veterans and the father of a fallen soldier is glad to have a role in the project.
Tiny homes for homeless youth July 24th, 2019
Cornerstone Landing — a non-profit that provides assistance for homeless youth — and Algonquin College have teamed up to build tiny homes to house youth on private property.
Organizers are looking for volunteers willing to host future tiny houses on their property. The eight-by-24 homes are on wheels and can be moved to a willing landowner’s preferred spot.
One way to create more affordable housing July 19th, 2019
The newly formed group, YIMBY, Yes in My Back Yard, has one solution. Changes to zoning at the municipal level. If properties were zoned so as to allow multiple dwellings, low-rise apartments, tiny houses and granny suites, more people with low incomes would have accommodation.
5 Unique glamping experiences across Canada July 16th, 2019
“[Often with] with five-star amenities and unbeatable outdoor access, glamping is where luxury meets simplicity,” explains Glamping Hub, an online booking platform that connects potential glampers with available sites around the world.
High house costs have some Canadians considering tiny homes, but not all cities on board July 1st, 2019
The three Montreal-area women are all among those contemplating the idea of eschewing bigger spaces for tiny homes, spurred by a rising cost of living and an increasing focus on minimal living that minimizes one’s ecological footprint.
Opposition grows against tiny-house village approved for Okotoks June 25th, 2019
A small group of Okotoks residents that formed on social media brought a petition with 1,450 signatures to town council during a meeting Monday in an attempt to end the town’s pursuit of a tiny home eco-village, arguing the money being spent on the project would be better invested in a “less risky” affordable housing project.
Living Big In A Tiny House June 7th, 2019
Tiny homes provide shelter, job skills for central Alberta First Nation March 18th, 2019
He and his classmates earned tickets in carpentry, electrical and plumbing over the course of the winter.
Article Source March 18th, 2019
Single mom transforms Canadian fire van into chic tiny home March 3rd, 2019
The step van, which she found on Canada’s Kijiji classified ads site, was bright red with just under 10,000 miles on the odometer. It was a fire rescue van from the Montreal Fire Department.
Homes for Heroes brings housing to homeless veterans April 30th, 2018
The Homes for Heroes Foundation unveiled plans for its village of affordable tiny homes in Bridgeland on Wednesday, a project aimed at housing the estimated 160 homeless veterans in Calgary.