Housing
Orillia is preparing for continued growth, with the population projected to reach nearly 49,000 by 2051 and a need for approximately 7,000 new housing units. Supporting this growth means delivering a diverse range of housing options to meet the needs of students, families, seniors, and residents with limited incomes.
Housing initiatives
Eligible projects can access grants and incentives through the Affordable Housing Incentives Policy. The City has also simplified approvals for new development, supports responsible conversions to multi-unit homes, and is works with the Affordable Housing Working Group on local housing needs. Housing initiatives are also inform through the City's Housing Needs Assessment which helps guide planning and policy decisions.
The County of Simcoe partnerships with City on the Housing Attainable Supply Action Plan. Additional information can be found on the County's Housing webpage.
Per Door Grant Program
A competitive funding initiative designed to accelerate the development of affordable housing by supporting primary applicants who are non-profit or charitable.
With up to $1.1 million available in 2026, eligible projects can receive funding to help cover capital costs associated with new construction. Pre-applications will be accepted from May 1 to 31, 2026, and successful primary applicants must commit to maintaining affordability for at least 25 years. Preference is given to developments that are well-located, energy-efficient, and inclusive in design.
Through the support of the CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund, the program offers flexible capital grant amounts based on the number, depth, and duration of affordable units proposed. Learn more about CMHC funding programs and the CMHC Ontario Housing Design Catalogue.
Applying for the Per Door Grant Program
The 2026 Intake period for the Pre-Application Form is open until May 31, 2026. Eligible applications will be invited to complete the Detailed Grant Application. Learn more about eligibility and criteria through the Per Door Grant Guidelines and the Grant Program Score Card.
CMHC Average Rental Market (AMR) Table (80%) for the City of Orillia (excluding utilities) October 2024:
|
Bachelor 80% AMR |
1 Bedroom 80% AMR |
2 Bedroom 80% AMR |
3 Bedroom 80% AMR |
|
| Orillia | $738.40 | $1,180.00 | $1,244.80 | $1,395.20 |
Affordable Housing Incentives Policy
Housing Accelerator Fund - Action Plan
The City of Orillia was awarded $4.5 million to fund the nine transformational initiatives outlined in the Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan designed to increase the supply of housing:
HAF Initiatives (January 2025-December 2027)
- Expand mixed-use zoning to increase housing options in commercial areas and near services and amenitie
- Complete an inventory and assessment of surplus and underused municipal lands
- Zoning By-law Amendments to reduce parking requirements near transit and in downtown centres
- Create a grant program to incentivize the creation of new affordable purpose-built rental housing units
- Create and expand e-permitting to all development and building permit types
- Fast-track development and building permit reviews for non-market housing and purpose-built rental developments
- Implementation of an accelerated planning process and service enhancements to streamline permitting process and enhanced customer service by offering a concierge navigator service for non-profit developers
- Allow 4 units per residential lot as-of-right to support infill development in low-density neighbourhood's municipality-wide
- Pre-zone and/or pre-service priority sites to facilitate as-of-right development
Contact Us
City of Orillia
50 Andrew Street South
Orillia, Ontario, L3V 7T5
Phone: 705-325-1311
Email us
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