Take a behind-the-scenes look at the first garden suite built from Mississauga’s pre-approved plans!
The first backyard garden suite using the City’s pre-approved plans is now complete. Compact yet spacious, and thoughtfully designed, this innovative suite blends seamlessly into the property, and it offers a creative, flexible housing option at a time when increasing access to homes is more important than ever.
This garden suite features its own kitchen and living space, bathroom, bedroom, and laundry. It also includes customized finishes such as unique ambient lighting, modern flooring and more.
It’s a self-contained unit in the backyard with its own address, offering a private space and a hassle-free set up for the homeowner and future occupants. The homeowner used the City’s free one-bedroom pre-approved plan, enabling them to envision the space more easily and move through the permit process quickly. This is part of the City’s plan to make the process easier for homeowners and encourage the creation of more housing options.
A new take on backyard living through Mississauga’s garden suites
Garden suites are separate living units that can be built in the backyard of homes across the city. They are one of the ways the City is introducing more housing options in established neighbourhoods. Garden suites provide extra living space for family or the potential to generate rental income.
To help homeowners get started, the City released free pre-approved garden suite plans in 2024 for one-bedroom or studio suites, available online. These plans simplify the process by offering pre-configured solutions, ideal for residents looking for a quicker and more cost-effective path forward. Using the City’s pre-approved plans also helps fast-track permits and bring projects to life more quickly. Residents can personalize both interior and exterior finishes to match their preferences such as paint, bathroom fixtures, kitchen cabinetry, siding, windows, doors and flooring as these items don’t require changes to the pre-approved plans.
Increasing housing options through gentle density
Housing continues to be a major concern for the City of Mississauga. Garden suites offer a flexible solution to support multi-generational living or offset housing costs. While they won’t solve the housing crisis, garden suites are part of a larger effort to increase affordable housing options and ensure that everyone can find a place to call home.
Visit mississauga.ca/garden-suites to learn more, see renderings and download the pre-approved plans.
