Town of Collingwood Recognized with Municipal Innovation Award for Rapid ARU Deployment Program

Ottawa, Ontario, August 19, 2025 – The Peter J. Marshall Innovation Award Jury has presented its highest award to the Town of Collingwood for its Rapid Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Deployment Initiative. The award was presented to Mayor Yvonne Hamlin and Executive Director, Customer and Corporate Services Amanda Pegg at the 2025 AMO Conference in Ottawa.

Collingwood’s Rapid ARU Deployment Initiative empowers individual homeowners to help address the much-needed housing supply by creating more year-round rental units. The program combines pre-approved designs, financial incentives, and plain-language resources to remove barriers and accelerate housing development, especially for modest, ground-oriented rental options in existing neighbourhoods.

Through this initiative, the Town has implemented a one-window service model, streamlined its zoning and permitting processes, introduced stackable grants of up to $15,000 for eligible projects, and partnered with the County of Simcoe to expand funding opportunities. Homeowners can also access a set of professionally pre-approved ARU designs, the first of its kind in Ontario, to simplify approvals and reduce costs.

Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has resulted in a sixfold increase in ARU permits issued, with 58 building permits approved and 24 secured as long-term rentals. The program’s success has inspired other municipalities across Ontario and Canada to adopt or adapt Collingwood’s model.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition for our work in housing innovation. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and creative problem-solving in addressing today’s housing challenges. Collingwood Council, staff and the Affordable Housing Task Force remain committed to advancing solutions that create more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable communities.” – Yvonne Hamlin, Mayor of Collingwood.

The P.J. Marshall Award is an annual competitive process recognizing Ontario municipalities for creativity and success in implementing new, innovative ways of serving the public. It is sponsored by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario, the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships, the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association, and the Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association.

In addition to the Town of Collingwood, two other municipalities — the City of Kitchener and Middlesex County — received plaque awards.

AMO works to make municipal governments stronger and more effective. Through AMO, Ontario’s 444 municipalities work together to achieve shared goals and meet common challenges.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Brian Lambie, AMO Media Contact
416-729-5425
lambie@redbrick.ca