The Secondary Suite incentive proposal aims to increase housing supply in Calgary

A new Calgary program could come as early as next month to encourage safety in second-suite construction as the city aims to boost housing supply.

On Wednesday, the city committee voted in favor of a second luxury incentive program.

If accepted by the council, it could give each homeowner up to $10,000.

“For how many decades have we talked about invisible homelessness — people couch surfing, people living in your basement? Long story short, it's already happening. So this stimulus is important because this stimulus is because we know what's going on, we want those people to stay.” there are safe units for,” said Courtney Walcott, Ward 8 Councilor.

According to the program plan, it would allow eligible homeowners to receive reimbursement for safety items in the developed accessory suite, including “installation of a separate heat source and/or air handling unit.”

In addition to the $10,000 for security requirements, the homeowner may be eligible for an additional $5,000 to make the extra suite available.

Additional energy efficiency rebates are available for a maximum of $1,250 per home.

To receive the money, the homeowner must complete an e-learning course explaining the security components of the additional suite, and the program is open only to applicants who are owners prior to suite registration.

The committee approved the plan after hearing an update on the city's housing situation, which shows a 12 percent increase in rents starting in September 2023.

Calgary's housing strategy consists of 98 actions that seek to increase supply.

“The average home and the second suite is part of the equation. You know, people often say, 'Well, how am I going to pay the bills?' Maybe I need a mortgage assistant as a second suite?'' said Terry Wong, consultant. Ward 7.

The incentive program is limited to 3,000 suites in the first 12 months.

It could launch on June 3, 2024, if it passes the council next week.