A City of Calgary committee has voted in favor of a program to encourage the building and registering of secondary suites in homes as part of the council’s housing strategy. If approved, qualified homeowners could receive up to $10,000 to register their secondary suite, with additional incentives for meeting accessibility standards and energy efficiency improvements. The goal is to provide incentives for up to 3,000 suites in the first year, with only secondary suites eligible for funding, not backyard suites or laneway housing. The program will be up for a council vote later this month after a 5-2 vote by the community development committee, with councillors Dan McLean and Andrew Chabot voting against it due to concerns about giving money to homeowners to make more money.
The program aims to increase safe housing options for Calgarians, addressing longstanding issues of invisible homelessness and people living in inadequate accommodations like basements or couch surfing. Ward 8 Coun. Courtney Walcott emphasized the importance of providing safer housing options for those in need, highlighting the program’s potential impact on improving living conditions for vulnerable populations. This initiative is seen as a key step in addressing housing challenges in the city and ensuring that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing options.
Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong noted that the fund will help offset construction costs for homeowners but raised concerns about whether the incentives provided are sufficient to encourage more people to participate. He highlighted the high costs of constructing new homes and the need for more significant incentives to motivate homeowners to invest in secondary suites. Mark Graham, the general manager of Basement Builders Calgary, commented on the increasing demand for basement suites and the potential benefits of an incentive program to help cover some of the associated costs. He mentioned that the starting price for a basement suite is around $80,000, indicating that financial support could make a significant difference for homeowners.
The program is designed to address housing affordability and accessibility issues in Calgary, providing financial incentives for homeowners to create secondary suites in their properties. By offering funds for registration, accessibility improvements, and energy efficiency upgrades, the initiative aims to increase the supply of safe and affordable housing options for residents. The program’s focus on secondary suites specifically is intended to target existing housing stock and maximize the impact of the incentives on increasing the overall housing supply in the city. The council’s decision to move the program forward for a vote reflects a commitment to addressing housing challenges and supporting residents in need of better housing options.
The discussions around the program have highlighted the importance of ensuring that incentives are sufficient to encourage participation and address the high costs associated with home renovation and construction. Concerns have been raised about whether the proposed incentives will be enough to motivate homeowners to invest in secondary suites, particularly given the significant expenses involved in such projects. These considerations underscore the need for ongoing evaluation and adjustment of the program to ensure that it effectively meets its goals of increasing housing supply and improving living conditions for Calgarians. The involvement of industry professionals like Mark Graham provides valuable insights into the realities of basement suite construction and the potential benefits of a well-designed incentive program.
Overall, the secondary suite incentive program in Calgary represents a significant step towards addressing housing challenges and improving housing options for residents in need. By providing financial support for the creation and registration of secondary suites, the program aims to boost the supply of safe and affordable housing in the city. While concerns have been raised about the adequacy of incentives and the potential for homeowners to profit from the program, the overall goal of addressing housing affordability and accessibility remains a key priority. Moving forward, ongoing evaluation and consideration of feedback from stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring the program’s success and its ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Calgarians.
