Tiny Homes Built for Northern Lifestyles

From Ready-to-Go to Custom-Crafted

Whether you’ve already purchased a prefab tiny home, have a set of plans ready to go, or want to design something custom from scratch, True North General Contracting has you covered. We can handle the full installation of your unit, build from existing designs, or collaborate with you using advanced 3D software to create a fully custom tiny or backyard home tailored to your space and lifestyle.

Small brown cabin beside large tree in grassy field.

What We Offer

Flexible Options to Fit Every Tiny Home Journey

Whether you’re starting with a ready-made solution or dreaming up something brand new, we make the process simple, streamlined, and stress-free. Choose the path that suits you best:

Prefab Installation

Already purchased a modular or prefab tiny home? We’ll take it from delivery to fully installed — including site prep, utility hookups, foundation, and finishing touches. We ensure everything complies with local codes so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Build from Your Plans

Have a plan set or an architectural design ready to go? We’ll work directly from your drawings and bring your vision to life with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Custom Design & Build in 3D

Need help visualizing your dream space? We’ll collaborate with you using the latest 3D design software to create a fully custom tiny home. From layout to finishes, you’ll see exactly how it will look — before we break ground.

Help Navigating Regulations and Financing

Understanding local regulations and securing financing can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. At True North, we guide you through permits, zoning rules, and available funding options like city grants or incentives.

Why Choose True North

A Trusted Partner for Tiny Home Builds in Thunder Bay

At True North General Contracting, we’re more than just builders — we’re problem-solvers, code-navigators, and vision-executors. Here’s what sets us apart:

Local Knowledge You Can Rely On

We stay up to date on Thunder Bay’s evolving bylaws and zoning rules for secondary and backyard dwellings. From lot size requirements to utility connections, we ensure your tiny home is 100% compliant — and help you avoid costly surprises.

Fully Insured & WSIB-Covered

Your project is protected. Our team and subcontractors are WSIB-registered and fully insured, meaning you’re not left holding the liability if anything goes wrong — unlike some “under-the-radar” contractors.

Experienced & Professional Team

With decades of combined experience in residential construction, our team brings the skills, professionalism, and reliability your project deserves. We’re not a couple of guys with a hammer — we’re a full-service operation built on integrity.

End-to-End Project Management

From permitting and site prep to the final walk-through, we handle every step so you don’t have to. We coordinate trades, inspections, and schedules to keep your project moving smoothly and efficiently.

Advanced 3D Design Capabilities

Not sure what your space will look like? We use cutting-edge 3D software to plan every detail in advance — giving you a clear, photorealistic view of your future tiny home before construction even begins.

Start Your Tiny Home Journey Today

Cozy A-frame cabin interior with modern kitchen.

Cozy A-frame cabin in forest during sunset

Funding and Regulation Information

Government Funding: City, Provincial, and Federal Programs

Thunder Bay Grants

Thanks to the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), the City of Thunder Bay has established its new Housing Community Improvement Plan—a once-in-a-generation, $20.7 million investment aimed at fast-tracking over 600 new housing units between 2024 and February 2027, with a target of 1,691 new permits in total.

The 2025 grant intake is now fully subscribed, with all HAF-driven Housing CIP streams (including multi-unit, additional units, servicing, and planning fee grants) filled for this year. However, the program remains open and available through 2026–27, enabling future rounds of applications and continued support for adding housing supply . The application window is usually March to April.

Cozy wooden tiny house interior with stairs and kitchen.

Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant

Covers 100% of eligible construction costs, up to $20,000 per unit

Servicing Grant

Covers water, sewer, storm servicing needs for ADUs—up to $10,000, and stackable with the ADU Grant

Modern glass building with balconies in sunlight.

Multi‑Unit Residential Grant

For two or more units: covers up to $25,000 per unit above 70% density threshold (max $300,000 per property)

Planning & Permit Fees Grant

Up to $10,000 toward permit/planning fees

Yellow hard hat and tape measure on table

Construction Assistance Grant

Focused on core areas with a mix of ADU and multi-unit support via HAF funding

Ontario Programs

Old house with rusted roof and pink scooter.

Ontario Renovates

The Ontario Renovates Program provides financial assistance, in the form of forgivable loans and grants, to low-to-moderate income homeowners in Ontario to make essential home repairs and improve accessibility.

Three women posing together, embracing affectionately.

Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC)

Refundable tax credit of 15% up to $50,000 for creating accessible suites for seniors/disabled family.

Federal Funding

Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program (Budget 2024)

Low‑interest loans up to $40,000 for homeowners building secondary suites.

Note: This program currently has not not been offically started and may have been postponed.

Old white house with peeling paint in forest

CMHC RRAP for Secondary Suites

Funding for major repairs, emergency repairs and adaptations to improve the health and safety of on-reserve housing.

Backyard Home Regulations in Thunder Bay

What You Need to Know Before You Build

Adding a tiny or secondary dwelling to your property can be a smart investment — but it must meet the City of Thunder Bay’s zoning and building requirements. At True North General Contracting, we stay current on all local bylaws to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Lot & Zoning Requirements

Allowed only in Urban Low-Rise (UL) and Urban Mixed-Use (UX) zones on lots with municipal water and sewer service
Viable on lots already classified under those zones; verify via the interactive zoning map or consult Planning Services

Definition & Form

Officially classified as an Accessory Building ADU (Type C)—a separate dwelling unit within a freestanding structure, also known as a backyard or laneway home

Lot Requirements

Must be on serviced lots with city water and sanitary sewer
Lot frontage and area: minimums apply (e.g., 10 m frontage and 300 m² area permit up to two units)
Converted houses (pre‑January 1 1945) may enjoy relaxed standards (e.g., no minimum frontage)

Setbacks & Building Size

Initially required 1.5 m rear and side setbacks for new accessory structures
Council has since amended the Zoning By-law (2023) to reduce setbacks to 0.6 m when the building is ≥20 m from the front lot line

Parking Requirements

One parking space per unit is required

Building & Property Standards

Must comply with Ontario Building Code (e.g., plumbing, water pipe upgrades) and Thunder Bay’s Property Standards By-law
Permits and inspections are mandatory; building permits are required

Applications & Appeals

Upon Zoning By-law approval (April 2023), backyard homes require only a building permit, unless appeals are unresolved

Get the full details here.