Owning a home in Ontario is expensive. Most Canadians spend 35% to 50% of their income on housing and utilities, and inflation and the cost of living are top concerns for many. When searching for affordable housing options, one possible solution is a tiny home. Not only do tiny homes come with a smaller price tag, but they also come with lower utility bills and less space to maintain. If you’re searching for tiny home communities in Ontario, you have a few options.
Key Takeaways
- Living in a tiny home village may mean living in an off-grid community, or in a purpose-built area of a city
- The minimum size for a tiny home in Ontario is generally 17.5 m² or 188 ft²
- Before you purchase a tiny home, ensure that the lifestyle works for you and your situation
What Are Tiny Home Communities?
Tiny home communities are often planned neighbourhoods made up of tiny houses. These neighbourhoods often foster a strong sense of community among the residents. Living in a tiny home village gives you the opportunity to connect with like-minded people and embrace an eco-friendly, minimalist way of life with a greater connection to the environment.
Additionally, some cities are creating tiny home communities and modular housing as solutions to the growing housing crisis. For instance, Peterborough built The Crossing, which comprises 50 individual modular units and a service hub for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
Tiny Home Communities in Ontario
Here are some places you can buy a tiny home in Ontario.
Tiny Town in Toronto, Ontario
If you stroll down Craven Road in Toronto, you will come to Tiny Town, a gorgeous collection of tiny homes built in a wide range of styles. Most houses are smaller than 500 square feet (although some owners are adding square footage by building up), and each home features unique details and markings that reflect each individual’s style.
Craven Road is a unique street in Toronto. It is a one-way street, with houses on one side and the longest wooden fence in the city on the other. Many residents have lived on Craven Road for a long time, creating a sense of community on their unique street. Toronto is one example of how tiny home communities can appear in urban locations. Keep an eye on the listings for Greenwood-Coxwell. You may be able to buy your own tiny home there!
Arcadia Off-grid Community in Commanda, Ontario
Tiny Home Builders Arcadia offers land for sale and lease in an off-grid community about three and a half hours north of Toronto near South River. In an Unorganized Township, tiny homes on wheels are legal because no building permits are required, and there are no restrictions on the size or type of structures that can be built.
Each lot is approximately 12,000 square feet, and trees help keep each lot private. The road is maintained and accessible all year. However, all homes must be completely off-grid, meaning you must have your own alternative power source, such as gas, propane, solar, electric, wind, and/or generators, plus a compost toilet and water source.
Arcadia builds tiny homes that are built to the Ontario Building Code and CSA-approved. If you choose to build on your own land instead, they can be delivered to your door anywhere across Canada.
Tay Ridge in Perth, Ontario
Tay Ridge, on the outskirts of Perth, Ontario, offers the chance to live in a close-knit community defined by its core initiatives of community building, affordability, sustainability, innovation, and wellness. Their neighbourhood offers community gardens, a field for pets and their families to play, walking paths, a community centre, and more shared amenities.
Their signature home, The Noble, is designed to sleep up to four people. It has one bedroom, a sofa bed, and one bathroom. The loft space provides extra storage, and the full-height ceilings in the living room and kitchen help the space feel open and airy.
Tay Ridge also provides key services for residents, such as running water, sewer, electricity, and trash services.
How to Choose a Tiny Home
Shopping for a tiny home is similar to buying a conventional house, with a few exceptions. Things to consider when buying a home include the home price, age, condition, and square footage. For tiny houses, you’ll need to follow local regulations regarding the size and placement of your home.
If you choose to build a custom tiny home, many Ontario tiny home builders will work with you to create a home that fits your lifestyle. In addition, you’ll need to find land and obtain municipal approval and a building permit before construction begins.
Is Tiny Home Community Living For You?
There are many pros and cons to living in a tiny house. Ultimately, living in a tiny home can support simplicity, but it also comes with trade-offs, and it’s important to consider each of these factors before embracing tiny living.
Pros
- Cost – Tiny homes are typically cheaper than a single-family home
- Eco-friendly – A smaller footprint, less waste and fewer belongings lead to an environmentally friendly lifestyle
- Easy to clean – Smaller space means fewer things to clean and simple living
Cons
- Small – Tiny homes typically range in size from 60 to 600 square feet, meaning less storage space and smaller rooms
- Ambiguous legality – Not all areas allow tiny houses
- Financing – Not all lenders will allow you to finance a tiny home, so you’ll need to shop around
Bottom Line
Living in a space smaller than 500 square feet may sound like a wild idea to many people. But never fear, tiny homes’ creative and innovative living spaces are comfortable and affordable. If you’re considering downsizing, these tiny home communities might be for you! Check out Zolo.ca to find your next property – whether it’s a tiny home, a condo in the city, or a townhouse in the suburbs.
Tiny Home Community FAQ
How much does a tiny home cost in Ontario, Canada?
The mid-range cost for a tiny house in Canada is $150,000 to $200,000. However, you can find tiny homes that cost anywhere from $80,000 to $250,000 or more, depending on the size, finishes, and amenities included. Some buyers also rent land separately, which affects the total monthly cost and how much money is needed for owned land versus a rented site.
Can you legally live in a tiny house in Ontario?
You can legally live in a tiny house in Ontario if the tiny home meets the health and safety requirements of the Ontario Building Code, municipal zoning and local bylaws. For instance, it must meet minimum size requirements of 188 square feet, and some areas may require you to connect to municipal services such as water and sewer.
Can you mortgage a tiny home in Ontario?
A tiny home must meet several criteria to qualify for a traditional mortgage, including a minimum mortgage amount, being permanently fixed to a foundation, being appraised to confirm its value, and meeting all zoning requirements and bylaws. Other financing options for tiny homes include RV loans, chattel mortgages, or personal loans.
Where can I park a tiny home in Ontario?
There are several locations in Ontario where you can place a tiny home, including on your land, in your backyard, or in an unincorporated or unorganized township. However, for tiny homes on wheels, you may need a permit depending on the municipality and setup, and some municipal bylaws restrict them to limited zones, such as RV parks or campgrounds.
