Improving Accessibility with Kingston’s Accessibility Additional Residential Unit Grant
The City of Kingston is taking strides in promoting inclusive housing through its Accessibility Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Grant, an initiative aimed at enhancing the availability of accessible housing options. This grant is part of the broader ARU incentive programs offered by the City of Kingston, designed to support homeowners and developers in creating diverse housing solutions that meet the community’s needs.
The Accessibility ARU Grant provides $5,000 in extra funding for ARU projects that meet specified accessibility criteria. The grant is available for both Detached and Interior ARU projects, offering flexibility and support whether you’re expanding an existing home or adding a separate structure.
To qualify for the Accessibility Grant, the property owner must include accessible elements throughout the living space to allow for safe movement. This must be part of the completed project and include:
- Clear access to entrance doors and interior doorways to bedrooms and bathrooms at 900mm
- Increased hallway width to 1100mm
- Installation of grab bars
- Accessible shower dimensions
- Control heights at 1200mm
- Knee space at kitchen sink
One of the standout features of this grant is its simplicity. There are no ongoing terms or conditions associated with the funding, making it a straightforward opportunity for property owners and developers. The financial support is disbursed following the occupancy of the accessible unit, ensuring that the grant aligns with the project’s completion and use. This approach simplifies the process, allowing beneficiaries to focus on making their projects as accessible and functional as possible without worrying about complex compliance requirements.
The Accessibility ARU Grant can be combined with the existing Detached or Interior ARU incentives, meaning that property owners have the option to maximize their support by accessing multiple grants simultaneously, further reducing their financial burden and promoting the creation of high-quality, accessible housing options.
The grant can significantly enhance the livability of residential units for individuals with disabilities or those requiring specific accessibility features. Whether it’s for making a home easier to navigate for people with mobility devices, installing adaptive fixtures, or ensuring that key areas are accessible, this funding plays a crucial role in addressing diverse housing needs.
Property owners must apply and obtain an ARU building permit to be eligible for the ARU incentive program. To learn more about eligibility, visit the City of Kingston’s website.