Suite success: 5,700 apply in first year of Calgary’s incentive program

Today marks one year since the launch of the Secondary Suite Incentive Program, an initiative that supports the creation of safe and accessible housing. To date, the incentive program has received 5,703 applications from homeowners looking to develop a secondary suite. Of those applications, 2,522 secondary suites have completed construction and been added to the Suite Registry.

“Our application volumes are a clear indication that when we encourage investment in safe housing, Calgarians are ready to act,” says Joshua Howes, Secondary Suites Program Manager. “Secondary suites provide financial security for owners while offering diverse housing choices for individuals, families and communities, building a resilient, more inclusive city.” 

The incentive program is a component of the Home is Here: The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy, offering qualifying homeowners up to $10,000 for safety elements with further funding available for energy efficiency (up to $1,900) and accessibility improvements (up to $7,500). In addition to an increase in suites developed, the Suite Registry has experienced steady growth. Nearly 20,000 suites have been registered since the registry became a mandatory requirement in 2015. In general, new registrations have increased by more than 60 per cent compared to the previous 12 months. The registry designation provides transparency and support for Calgarians looking for safe, legal housing options and protects the investments owners are making in their properties.

“Enabling a range of housing types in Calgary is key to meeting the needs of our growing and changing population,” says Reid Hendry, Chief Housing Officer. “Through initiatives like the incentive program, we are empowering Calgarians to develop safe housing options that contribute to an increase in housing supply, choice and affordability across the city.”

The program is overseen by a dedicated team working to improve customer experience for applicants. While we have experienced high volumes, application processing timelines have decreased by over 40 per cent, streamlining the path for homeowners developing and registering their suites. Calgarians can learn more at Calgary.ca/suite-incentive. For general information about secondary suites, how to register your suite or apply for permits, visit Calgary.ca/secondarysuites.