Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Over 5,703 applications received, with 2,522 secondary suites completed, demonstrate strong community interest.
- Incentive benefits include up to $10,000 for safety upgrades, $1,900 for energy efficiency, and $7,500 to enhance accessibility.
- Registry growth by over 60 per cent highlights a transparent and expanding housing market.
- Processing times dropped by 40 per cent, making it easier for homeowners to participate.
Table of contents
The city of Calgary is marking a momentous one-year anniversary of its Secondary Suite Incentive Program, a cornerstone initiative aimed at expanding safe and affordable housing. With a focus on supporting sustainable communities, the program encourages homeowners to transform unused spaces into secure, energy-efficient secondary suites.
Since its inception, the program has received 5,703 applications from homeowners across the city. Out of these, 2,522 secondary suites have been successfully completed and officially registered. Such impressive numbers speak to the enthusiasm and commitment of Calgarians when it comes to investing in versatile housing solutions.
The incentive package is designed to help homeowners make necessary upgrades:
- Up to $10,000 for safety improvements
- Up to $1,900 for energy efficiency enhancements
- Up to $7,500 to boost accessibility
These measures ensure that every new secondary suite meets high standards for safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility.
Since mandatory registration was enforced in 2015, the city’s suite registry has seen a remarkable expansion, now listing nearly 20,000 suites. The registry not only offers transparency for potential renters but also protects the investments of homeowners, reinforcing community trust.
In a bid to further empower homeowners, the city has managed to reduce application processing times by an impressive 40 per cent. This improvement means that residents can more quickly and efficiently complete their secondary suite projects.
City officials, including Joshua Howes, the Secondary Suites Program Manager, have highlighted the broader community benefits. As Joshua stated:
“Our application volumes demonstrate that when we invest in safe housing initiatives, the community responds. Secondary suites provide not just financial stability but also create diverse and inclusive housing options.”
Moreover, Reid Hendry, Chief Housing Officer, reiterated the importance of these initiatives, noting that they contribute significantly to building a resilient and inclusive city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is eligible to apply for the Secondary Suite Incentive Program?
A1: Any Calgary homeowner with a qualifying property is encouraged to apply for support to enhance their secondary suite.
Q2: What types of improvements are covered under the program?
A2: The program covers safety upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, and accessibility enhancements, ensuring each suite meets high standards.
Q3: How has the registry growth impacted renters?
A3: With nearly 20,000 registered suites and increased transparency, renters are better informed about legal and safe housing options.
Q4: What does the reduction in processing time mean for applicants?
A4: The 40 per cent reduction in processing time allows homeowners to develop, register, and rent their suites more efficiently, making the program accessible for everyone.
Leave a Reply