GTA Construction News staff writer
The City of Mississauga has introduced a materials list and a pre-approved garden suite plans, making it easier and faster for homeowners to build a small, detached unit in their backyards.
The free, downloadable list outlines everything needed to construct a studio or one-bedroom garden suite, including quantities, specifications, and units of measurement for materials.
Garden suites, which include cooking, living, sleeping, and washroom facilities, provide homeowners with flexible housing options. They are ideal for downsizing, creating separate space for family members, or generating rental income.
“The materials list, alongside the pre-approved garden suite plans launched in 2024, are designed to take out the guesswork and help make the process smoother from the start,” said Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building. “Mississauga is growing, and with growth comes the need for more diverse housing options like garden suites.”
The list also highlights customizable elements under the pre-approved plans, such as doors and flooring, and provides sample costs to assist with budgeting. Homeowners can download the materials list from the “Cost Your Project” section of the garden suites webpage.
Garden suites are part of Mississauga’s broader gentle density strategy, which encourages additional housing in established neighbourhoods without major redevelopment. The City’s Gentle Density Incentive Program offsets fees to make constructing these units more affordable, helping to expand housing choices for families, young adults, and seniors.
The initiative follows updates to the official plan and zoning rules in late 2023, which allow homeowners to build up to two additional residential units in addition to their primary home. In 2024, Mississauga launched free, pre-approved plans for garden suites, further simplifying the process for residents.
