The Housing Design Catalogue provides free, standardized home plans for a range of housing types across Canada. Architects and engineers have developed these designs to be generally code-compliant and align with regional building codes, planning rules, climate zones, construction methods, materials and architectural styles.

You will still need to work with a qualified professional, such as an architect, engineer, or licensed designer and may need to make small changes to the designs to fit lots and site conditions before applying for a building permit. Several design aspects can be modified and customized, including cladding, roofing, interior finishes and other aesthetic considerations.

Although you may choose any of the Ontario based designs from the Catalogue, we have pre-reviewed three designs that could work in most neighborhoods in the Town. It is important to note that not all housing design types may be permitted or work on every property.

• Accessory Dwelling Unit 01
• Fourplex 02
• Stacked Townhouse 01

Homeowners and builders have the options of using either CMHC’s Housing Design Catalogue or the Town’s Pre-approved Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Designs, both free of charge.

Key Catalogue Benefits

• Reduce costs by using these designs as part of the initial design work is already complete which potentially lowers soft costs.
• Save time by using a Housing Design Catalogue as some of the initial planning work is already complete, which could reduce design timelines.
• Streamlined applications as these designs could help make the permit process quicker and more predictable.

Step 1: Browse the Catalogue and Select your Design

Explore the standardized designs available through CMHC's Housing Design Catalogue website. Choose a design that fits your property and project goals, and download the technical package from the Catalogue.

The technical design package includes:

• user guide (PDF)
• architectural and engineering drawings (PDF, CAD, BIM)
• energy reporting documents and templates (PDF, Excel, HOT2000)
• building performance reports (PDF)
• terms and conditions (PDF)

Step 2: Adapt to Your Site

Work with a qualified professional (architect, engineer, or qualified designer with a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN), to adapt the design and create a permit set specific to your site. Designs can be adapted for:

• Site-specific conditions (grading, drainage, orientation)
• Zoning compliance (lot coverage, setbacks)
• Parking, access, and site servicing requirements
• Material and cladding selection
• Local code and by-law requirements

Step 3: Apply for Your Permits

Submit your application with your site-specific designs. Approval timelines and review steps vary depending on project scope and site conditions.

Your qualified professional should ensure the revised design meets all applicable building code, accessibility, sustainability, engineering, and site-specific requirements.

Please refer to User Guide and FAQ for further information on CMHC’s Housing Design Catalogue.

For additional Catalogue specific questions, feel free to reach out to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation at catalogue@cmhc-schl.gc.ca 

Please refer to the Town’s Building Permit Process webpage, for further information on the building permit process.

CMHC Design 1

CMHC Design 2

CMHC Design 3

Homeowners using CMHC’s Housing Design Catalogue may be eligible to apply to the Town’s Affordable Rental Incentives. These incentives are to encourage more affordable rental housing through a range of housing types and options to meet a range of current and future resident needs.

Please visit our rental incentives page for more information.

 Additional Resources

• ARU Zoning By-law Project Webpage
• Council Report – DS-021-26 Multiplex and Pre-approved Additional Residential Units Design Report
• Committee of Adjustment and Minor Variances
• Official Plan, 2025
• Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw
• Building Permits
• Affordable Housing Rental Incentives