Calgary highlights success of Secondary Suite Incentive Program, one year in
Posted Jun 3, 2025 9:31 am.
Calgary launched its Secondary Suite Incentive Program one year ago Tuesday, and is touting its success in the first 365 days.
The city says the program has received 5,703 applications to date. Of those applications, 2,522 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,” said secondary suites program manager, Joshua Howes. “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 part of the city’s housing strategy, offering qualifying homeowners up to $10,000 for safety elements, up to $1,900 for energy efficiency, and up to $7,500 for accessibility improvements.
Calgary’s suite registry has also seen substantial growth, according to the city. Almost 20,000 suites have been registered since it became mandatory to do so in 2015. Generally, new registrations have increase by more than 60 per cent compared to last year.
Requiring suite registration provides transparency and support for Calgarians who are looking for safe legal housing options, and protects the investments homeowners are making to their properties, the city says.
Chief housing officer, Reid Hendry, says allowing for a range of housing types in Calgary is essential in meeting the needs of the city’s ever-changing and growing population.
“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,” he said.
A city team oversees the program and is always working to improve the customer experience, the city says.
Despite facing high application volumes, city officials say application processing timelines have went down 40 per cent, further streamlining the process for homeowners to develop, register, and rent out their suites.
More information can be found about the program at calgary.ca/suite-incentive
For more information about secondary suites, visit calgary.ca/secondarysuites
