$45M Secondary Suite Program Doubles Safe Rental Housing Across Calgary
A joint municipal and federal investment has helped Calgarians build, upgrade, and legalize thousands of secondary suites, expanding market-affordable housing options across the city.
The City of Calgary’s Secondary Suite Incentive Program—funded through a $45-million commitment—provided eligible homeowners with up to $10,000 to offset construction and safety compliance costs. The initiative drove the total number of registered secondary suites from 13,000 in 2024 to 26,000 today.
“This is an achievement owned by Calgarians who stepped up, utilizing incentives that resulted in thousands of new housing options in our city,” said Josh Howes, Suites Manager of Development, Business and Building Services. “Giving renters confidence that their home has been reviewed and approved by The City is an important outcome, as all Calgarians deserve to feel safe in their home.”
City officials noted that registered secondary suites grew from 431 units in 2015 to account for one-quarter of all new residential units added in Calgary over the past three years.
“At less than $10,000 per door, this program has been the most efficient and cost-effective way to create thousands of new homes across Calgary,” said Reid Hendry, Chief Housing Officer. “By helping homeowners add safe, legal secondary suites, we’ve vastly increased the supply of market-affordable rental homes in established communities where people already have access to services and amenities.”
The program forms part of Home is Here, Calgary’s overarching housing strategy, supported by federal contributions via the Housing Accelerator Fund.
“Canadians need more housing options and secondary suites are a way communities can add homes more quickly while making better use of existing neighbourhood infrastructure,” said Corey Hogan, MP for Calgary Confederation and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “The results of Calgary’s Secondary Suite Incentive Program demonstrate the role these local solutions can play in addressing housing needs.”
While new applications for the Secondary Suite Incentive Program are winding down, homeowners currently under review remain inline for funding. The waitlist will stay open until all applications are reviewed and funds are disbursed.
Additionally, the city’s Amnesty Program for suites built prior to March 2018 remains open until December 2026, allowing owners to update non-compliant units to meet minimum life-safety standards. Renters can verify legal suites via the online Secondary Suite Registry or by looking for an official City-issued sticker displayed in window frames.