A big change is coming to North Frontenac. The Township is preparing to update its Official Plan to allow people to build up to three homes on one lot in both Rural Areas and Hamlet Settlements. A public meeting will be held on August 7, 2025, and local residents can have their say before the Township makes its final decision.
This shift follows a year of political tensions. In June 2025, Council voted to shut down a sub-committee of the Economic Development Task Force (EDTF)—a group where Councillor Stephanie Regent had been heavily involved—after an NFNM undercover report raised serious concerns about the group’s lack of transparency and questionable direction. Regent was visibly angry during the public council meeting where the decision was made and has since been vocal on social media, joined by her personal friends claiming the decision was unfair. Her friends then filed complaints with the integrity commissioner, which went nowhere—leading to more criticism from the same group.
The EDTF itself remains on paper, alongside the Environment Task Force and a newly formed Housing Task Force that assumed the former sub-committee’s intended focus. Meanwhile, Regent has resigned from two-thirds of her committee appointments, even as public criticism of her conduct continues to mount.
A Step Toward Housing Options That Fit the North
North Frontenac isn’t like the city. Families here often live on the same land for generations, building homes, improving them, and passing them down. But in recent years, it’s gotten harder for young families to afford property or for older folks to stay close to home. This new rule could change that by making it easier to: Build a second home for family, Add a rental unit for extra income, Downsize to a smaller home while staying on your land
Locals are already noticing the need. “It might be the only way someone can get into the housing market.”
This update gives landowners the chance to build three dwellings on their lot without the long delays and zoning hurdles people have gotten used to fighting.
Tiny Homes Finally Getting Recognized
A major part of this proposal is the inclusion of tiny homes as an approved housing option. This comes shortly after NFNM’s article on how tiny homes could help with local housing needs.
One supporter summed it up: “Tiny homes have supporters across the country and have yet to be given a place and a process that fit the times.”
Council appears to be paying attention. Mayor Lichty has been speaking more openly about the Township’s housing problems, stating: “This is exactly why we established a Housing Task Force. Times have changed and everything needs to be on the table.”
Lichty also pointed to efforts addressing emergency housing needs: “As for the hotel in Ompah, we have already made contact with them about using several of their rooms for emergency housing for the homeless. Nothing firm but it is a start.”
And on encouraging private investment: “I believe that we should be establishing the environment so that builders will come in and build.”
This proposal reflects a change in direction—toward affordable options for families and long-time landowners, creating room for people to live simpler and stay rooted without pushing costly, large-scale developments.
Tiny Houses Fall Under Additional Residential Units
Under North Frontenac’s zoning rules, these second dwellings are considered Additional Residential Units (ARUs)—sometimes known as secondary suites, in-law suites, or backyard apartments. The Township defines an ARU as a self-contained residential unit designed for full-time living, with its own kitchen, plumbing, and sanitary facilities, either within the main house or in a separate building on the same property.
It’s important to note this is not the same as a Garden Suite. According to the Township, Garden Suites—sometimes called granny flats—are temporary, modular units intended for senior care and not considered permanent housing under Ontario’s Planning Act. ARUs, including tiny houses, are meant to be permanent additional dwellings, specifically to help address housing shortages.
Tax-wise, property owners should expect some changes. MPAC assessments will increase based on the value of any ARU, meaning higher property taxes are likely, though exact amounts depend on individual circumstances.
A Positive Move for North Frontenac
Council has long been cautious about zoning reform, often leaving families tied up in bureaucracy. This proposal takes a different approach, cutting through layers of red tape and focusing on practical changes that actually serve the people who live here.
Local voices have been quick to show support. One resident shared: “I’ve lived in the same 176 square foot home with my wife, a dog, and three cats for 12 years now. It’s fully legal, and it works for us.”
This isn’t a plan to attract outside developers. It’s a way for the people who already live here to make use of their own property, stay close to family, and build affordable homes without needless interference.
Your Voice Matters
Council is asking for feedback. Written comments are due by July 31, 2025, to be included in the agenda. The public meeting takes place August 7 at 4:00 p.m., in Plevna or online through Zoom.
Whether you have concerns or want to support the proposal, this is your chance to be heard.
Quick Summary: Up to three homes per lot in Rural and Hamlet Areas, Tiny homes allowed for the first time, Second dwellings recognized as Additional Residential Units (ARUs), Public meeting on August 7, 2025, 4:00 p.m., Written comments due by July 31, 2025
