Salt Spring Island and Southern Gulf Island property owners are invited to apply to the Rural Housing Program’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rebate Incentive Program. Eligible applicants can receive a rebate (up to $40,000 or 50% of building costs) in exchange for building and renting out a new cottage or secondary suite at affordable rates for a 5-year period. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated.
How the program works:
- Make application once you have a building permit for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) (secondary suite or detached cottage).
- Build the ADU within approved timelines.
- Register an agreement to rent the unit at the target rental rate for at least five years.
- Receive rebate up to $40,000 (or 50% of building costs) to offset your building costs after you receive an occupancy permit from the CRD.
The Rural Housing Program pilot program aims to provide housing solutions that are better suited to rural communities outside of the capital region’s urban core. There are three program streams: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Incentive Program, Rural Housing Pre-Development Fund and Program Coordination and Partnerships.
Coordination of the Rural Housing Program is funded by the Southern Gulf Island Tourism Partnership (SGITP), which is the designated community destination marketing organization for Salt Spring, Mayne, Pender, Saturna, and Galiano Islands. The SGITP receives an allocation of tax funding from the Province raised from accommodation providers on the islands.
Also open is the second intake of the Rural Housing Pre-Development Fund for Salt Spring Island and Southern Gulf Islands electoral area housing organizations that need assistance with pre-development costs. New applicants can download an expression of interest form available online and submit by August 31, 2026.
To learn more about Rural Housing and open funding streams, visit crd.ca/RHP
