Backyard solution to Canada’s multi-generational home

By: Sarah Cipkar, Founder & CEO, Resimate

Brantford, Ontario—For years, Derek B. watched as his mother-in-law struggled to keep up with the rising costs of living in Toronto.

Once a comfortable home, her apartment had become a frustrating and expensive burden.

The rent climbed higher each year, outpacing her fixed income. Worse, the building’s aging infrastructure meant unreliable maintenance and inaccessible unit layouts.

At the same time, with Toronto’s real estate prices among the highest in the country, moving to a more accessible space seemed financially impossible.

Derek knew he had to find a solution, but the options were limited. Bringing his mother-in-law into his home full-time wasn’t feasible—space was tight, and he wanted to ensure she maintained her independence.

Yet, moving her into assisted living was neither affordable nor necessary. That’s when Derek discovered an alternative: a backyard home or garden suite, also known as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

The Rise of ADUs in a Housing Crisis

Canada’s housing market is facing a well-documented crisis. Home ownership rates are dropping, and rental prices continue to skyrocket.

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the national average home price reached $757,000 in 2023, while rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto averages over $2,500 per month—more than a 15% increase from the previous year.

Once seen as a cultural or economic necessity in specific communities, multi-generational housing is now a mainstream solution to affordability and aging-in-place challenges.

Statistics Canada reports that nearly 7% of Canadians now live in multi-generational homes, a number that has steadily increased over the past two decades.

ADUs, or garden suites, are emerging as one of the most practical ways to address this shift.

These small, fully independent homes are built in the backyard of an existing property, providing private living quarters for aging parents, adult children, or even renters.

They offer a middle ground between cohabitation and separation, maintaining close family ties while allowing individuals to live autonomously.

Resimate: Simplifying the ADU Process

For Derek, the idea of a garden suite appealed, but the logistics seemed overwhelming.

Financing, securing permits, and finding a reliable builder were daunting tasks.

That’s where Resimate stepped in.

As Canada’s first backyard home marketplace, Resimate streamlines the process, guiding homeowners from eligibility checks to final installation.

“They helped with getting insurance for the unit, they helped with securing financing for the unit, they dealt with all the city stuff, they dealt with all the engineering, and they dealt with all the lawyer stuff.” Derek says of working with Resimate: “They did everything.”

Resimate helped Derek secure funding, assisted with city permits, and managed the installation process.

Within weeks, his mother-in-law’s new home was complete: a compact but comfortable backyard suite with modern amenities, a fully accessible design, and peace of mind for Derek and herself.

A Perfect Solution for Aging in Place

As she prepares to move in, she couldn’t be happier. Her new home is just steps away from family but offers the privacy she cherishes.

As Canada grapples with housing challenges, ADUs present a scalable, affordable solution.

They allow families to stay together while addressing financial and logistical hurdles in today’s market.

For Derek’s family, a backyard home was more than just an addition to their property—it was a pathway to security, independence, and family connection.

When asked what she likes best about her new unit, Derek’s mother-in-law laughs and says, “Everything.”

To start your journey to unlocking your property’s potential, you can book an On-Site Assessment to meet with a Resimate team member. 

You can use the code TINYHOME2025 at check-out to get an 80% discount, bringing the total from $2500 to $500.   

Here is a sample of the Site Assessment Report, which highlights the property’s feasibility and contains a roadmap for building a backyard home.

Want to learn more? You can also book a call with an ADU Specialist here.