Big changes just landed in Lakeshore’s zoning rules, and they’re going to open serious doors for homeowners, investors, and anyone looking to build more housing on existing lots.

As of this week, the Municipality of Lakeshore has officially approved up to four residential units as-of-right on every lot zoned low-density with full municipal services (think sewer and water connections). That means no zoning variances or special permissions needed to:

• Convert a single-family home into a duplex, triplex, or fourplex
• Add a legal basement suite
• Build a backyard garden suite or secondary unit

If your property is zoned low-density and has municipal water and sewer, you’re good to go.

Why Did This Happen Now?

Lakeshore applied for federal housing money back in 2023 but didn’t qualify. CMHC then made it clear: municipalities must allow four units as-of-right to access future rounds of funding. So Lakeshore committed, and it paid off.

Earlier this year, the town received $7.4 million from the Housing Accelerator Fund, but the full release of those funds was tied to this fourplex-friendly zoning policy. With this week’s council vote, that box is now checked.

What Does This Mean For You?

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to create a rental unit for extra income, a multi-gen family trying to stay close while living separately, or an investor looking to build density responsibly, this change simplifies everything.

You don’t need to go to committee. You don’t need to rezone. You just need to build within code.

And 66 percent of Lakeshore residents already said they support this shift.

Not Everyone Agrees

Councillors voted 6-2 in favour. Some concerns remain about preserving the low-density feel of existing neighbourhoods. But the overall momentum is clearly behind more flexible housing options in the region.

What’s Next?

If you’re wondering how this change might apply to your property or want to explore buying land in Lakeshore under the new rules, let’s talk.