Keewatin Channel Bridge Weight Restriction

The Keewatin Channel Bridge currently has a vehicle weight limit due to scaffolding adjustments.

Vehicles weighing up to 8,500 pounds, including passengers and cargo, may continue to use the bridge via the signalled alternating traffic in the Eastbound lane.

All commercial vehicles weighing over 8,500 pounds must use the Highway 17A Bypass. 

Emergency vehicles and buses are permitted to cross the bridge with the flow of regular passenger traffic, although no more than one emergency vehicle or bus may be on the bridge at the same time. 

For more information, see the Public Notice.

Secondary Suites

Secondary Dwelling Units (SDUs), also known as Additional Residential Units (ARUs) or Secondary Suites, are self-contained living spaces with their own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and separate entrance. In Kenora, SDUs can be created in three ways: inside an existing home, as an attached addition, or as a detached accessory building. These units provide flexible housing options for families, renters, and homeowners, while expanding housing opportunities in the City of Kenora.

Getting started

Before you begin planning your secondary dwelling unit, you need to:

  1. Review the Secondary Dwelling Unit (SDU) Guide
  2. Complete a building permit application
  3. Check the zoning of the property. You can check the zoning maps for Kenora. To confirm whether a secondary dwelling unit is allowed, you may contact the Planning Division.

Secondary Dwelling Unit Guide

The Secondary Dwelling Unit Guide walks homeowners through the process of planning and building a Secondary Dwelling Unit (SDU) in Kenora. It explains how to determine if your lot is suitable, outlines zoning and parking requirements, and highlights important considerations such as lot coverage, setbacks, and easements.

You’ll also find step-by-step guidance on building permits, inspections, and Ontario Building Code requirements. The guide includes information from minimum room sizes and ceiling heights to fire safety, ventilation, and plumbing.

By following the guide, homeowners can better understand the approvals needed, the standards to meet, and the practical steps to ensure their SDU is safe, compliant, and a valuable addition to their property.

Secondary dwelling units

Secondary dwelling units can be created in an existing dwelling, existing accessory structure or as a new standalone dwelling, subject to the provisions of the Zoning By-law. 

A maximum of two secondary dwelling units are permitted in Urban Areas subject to specific requirements. The Urban Area is the following zones:

  • R1 – Residential First Density Zone,
  • R2 – Residential Second Density Zone,
  • R3 – Residential Third Density Zone, and
  • SH – Residential Small Home Zone 

A maximum of one secondary dwelling unit is permitted in Rural Areas subject to specific requirements. The Rural Area is the following zones:

  • RU – Rural Zone
  • RR – Rural Residential Zone 

You may contact the Planning Division at planning@kenora.ca for additional information regarding the specific requirements of Secondary Dwelling Units.

Existing units

If you built a secondary dwelling unit before they were allowed in the Zoning By-law, it is in your best interest to check with the Planning Division and Building Division to find out if your unit complies with the current zoning, Building Code, and Fire Code requirements.

While this may involve making changes to the unit or the building in order to comply, you and your tenants will have peace of mind knowing that the unit meets all of the City's requirements.

Having an illegal unit in your home may pose a safety or liability risk for you and may cause difficulties when you decide to sell your home.

Frequently asked questions

View our frequently asked questions to learn more about secondary suites.

Please review the Secondary Dwelling Unit Guide.

This guide walks homeowners through the process of planning and building a Secondary Dwelling Unit (SDU) in Kenora. It explains how to determine if your lot is suitable, outlines zoning and parking requirements, and highlights important considerations such as lot coverage, setbacks, and easements.

You’ll also find step-by-step guidance on building permits, inspections, and Ontario Building Code requirements. The guide includes information from minimum room sizes and ceiling heights to fire safety, ventilation, and plumbing.

By following the guide, homeowners can better understand the approvals needed, the standards to meet, and the practical steps to ensure their SDU is safe, compliant, and a valuable addition to their property.

Only if the unit complies with the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and the City of Kenora Zoning By-law.

No. The City of Kenora Zoning By-law does not have any regulations that define a granny-suite or in-law suite. If the dwelling is being advertised with a granny-suite or in-law suit, you should ensure that it has been permitted as a secondary dwelling unit with the City.

Not necessarily. You should always ensure that the secondary dwelling has been permitted with the City. If there is no documentation that the unit was built legally, the unit will be considered illegal until a permit is applied for and obtained.

If you can provide evidence that the unit existed before July 14, 1994, the Ontario Fire Code, Section 9.8 applies. Otherwise, any construction after 1994 is subject to the current Ontario Building Code.

Contact Planning

Ryan Haines, City Planner
Phone: 807-467-2059

Tara Vader, Associate Planner
Phone: 807-467-2152

Operations Building
60 Fourteenth Street North
Kenora, Ontario P9N 4M9

Planning Contact Form

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