The Housing Design Catalogue, developed by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), provides free, standardized home plans aimed at simplifying homebuilding. These designs have been created by architects and engineers to align with our regional building codes, climate conditions, construction practices, and architectural styles.

The City of Thunder Bay supports use of the designs made for the Ontario region available in the Housing Design Catalogue. The following designs have been pre-reviewed by Development Services: Accessory Dwelling Unit 01, Fourplex 02, Stacked Townhouse 01, and Sixplex.

CMHC Design Renderings
Accessory Dwelling Unit built in the rear of home
Accessory Dwelling Unit		Fourplex built on existing lot
Fourplex		A row of stacked townhouses
Stacked Townhouse		A sixplex built on an existing residental lot
Sixplex

These designs will fit within residential zones regulated by Thunder Bay’s Zoning By-law 1-2022, but please note that not all housing types are permitted on every lot. Zoning regulations such as lot setbacks, minimum lot width, maximum lot coverage, parking minimums, and driveway widths also apply.

Learn more about how these designs fit into the City of Thunder Bay’s permitting process.

Why Use the Housing Design Catalogue in Thunder Bay

  • Cost-and time-efficient: The catalogue offers well-thought-out plans you can start from, reducing upfront design costs.
  • Professional quality: These drawings are developed by licensed architects and engineers and are compliant with the Ontario Building Code and other statutory regulations.
  • Flexibility: You can make minor modifications to the plans with a qualified professional to reflect site conditions and constraints, and to finalize design preferences such as cladding and material selection.

Permitting Requirements in Thunder Bay

Even if you use a CMHC design, you still need to apply for a building permit through the City of Thunder Bay. Some key points:

  1. Online Application
    • Thunder Bay has a Property & Permits Portal that now accepts all types of residential building permit applications.
    • You can upload your plans and supporting documents, track application status, and pay fees entirely online.  The median review time for a complete application is 7 business days.
  2. Pre-Consultation / Zoning Review
    • You may want to book a pre-consultation with Development Services to discuss your project. Thunder Bay now has an online appointment booking tool for this.
    • A full zoning review will be needed, especially if you're modifying standard catalogue plans (e.g., adjusting setbacks, footprint, or building height).  
  3. Applicable Regulations
    • Plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, City of Thunder Bay Zoning By-law 1-2022 and all other applicable law.
    • If your design changes significantly (e.g. structural modifications), you will need to involve a qualified professional to adapt the plans.

Key Elements to Finalize with a Qualified Professional

Before you submit your permit application, you’ll need a professional to help you adapt the CMHC design to your site.

Tasks may include:

  • Adjustments to the Catalogue prototypical foundation design for site grading and soil conditions.
  • Reviewing the mechanical system options provided in the Catalogue.
  • Preparing a site plan indicating building placement, parking, walkways, and any other structures meeting Thunder Bay’s zoning requirements.
  • Providing a Lot Grading and Drainage Plan – this can be included as part of the site plan.
  • Providing site servicing plans (water, sewer, utilities).

Applying for a Permit in Thunder Bay

  1. Select your CMHC design from the Ontario catalogue.
  2. Work with a qualified professional (architect, engineer, registered designer) to adapt and finalize the design for your specific site.
  3. Submit your permit application through Thunder Bay’s Property & Permits Portal, including your final drawings and all other standard required documentation.
  4. Undergo zoning and code review — Thunder Bay staff will check whether your design meets local by-laws and building code requirements.
  5. Book inspections as needed during construction once you have obtained a building permit and commenced construction.

Additional Dwelling Units

If you are considering an ADU, consult our webpage on Building an ADU and our Guide to ADUs in Thunder Bay. We’ve also partnered with ADUSearch so you can search your property to determine if an ADU might be suitable for your property.

Get Help

City staff are here to help! Contact us by phone, by email, or in person at the Victoriaville Civic Centre.

Phone: 807-62-BUILD (807-622-8453)
Email: buildtbay@thunderbay.ca
In Person: Victoriaville Civic Centre, 2nd floor, 111 Syndicate Ave S.
Book an appointment to plan your visit.
Drop in during business hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  

Contact Us