The HCI supports applications from Indigenous organizations. If there are essential design elements and application considerations, such as For Indigenous, By Indigenous, the Intake Application provides the space to include a maximum one-page attachment under the section Additional Project Features, where this information can be provided.

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria and application requirements, projects may have unique features that further support tenants or non-market housing developments, and these projects may prioritized. Some examples include:

• Serving equity-deserving populations
• Having partnerships/collaborations that may benefit tenants
• On-site support made available for tenants
• Proximity of project to transit, amenities, and community supports
• Project alignment with additional City of Calgary priorities or strategies
• Integration of technology that improves tenant experience

Please include this information as a one-page attachment with the intake application to qualify. 

Yes, projects submitted under the HCI will be prioritized, just like other affordable housing developments. The City currently provides expedited review and approvals during the development process for affordable housing and will also offer this support for successful projects approved under the HCI.

All units within a project must have a rental rate at or below $1,592.50 per unit per month. Please refer to Sections 4 and 12 for more information on this requirement.

For more information, please check Housing Needs Assessment.

The HCI program is intended to support the delivery of permanent rental housing. Residential units delivered through the HCI program must contain a bathroom with either a shower or tub and a kitchen within the unit. There are no minimum unit size requirements. Units must adhere to the accessibility requirements as outlined in the Applicant Guide. 

Council approved a $60M investment in the HCI over the next three years, and the program will support projects until the $60M approved budget is committed.

The HCI is a competitive process, and projects will be prioritized based on criteria outlined in the Applicant Guide. The City will review applications as they are received, and decisions on potential funding will be made on a case-by-case basis. We encourage applicants to contact The City to learn more. 

Eligible project types include conversion of non-residential buildings to residential units. Examples include hotels, offices, commercial, or industrial uses. Retrofits of existing residential units do not qualify. Applicants must demonstrate that the project has created new residential rental units where these did not exist prior. 

The City will require successful applicants to enter into housing and funding agreements. This will be project-specific and determined based on the circumstances of the applicant and the project and any funding that may be in place for the project. The City will work with other orders of government, lenders, and applicants on terms/conditions of agreements associated with the funding for each project.

Yes, the combined support from all City of Calgary programs cannot exceed 30% of the total project costs (including land).

For project types where the addition of new residential units to existing buildings or properties is proposed, a minimum of five net new residential units must be delivered in any project. Secondary suites would not meet this requirement.

The City's Secondary Suite Incentive Program provides qualifying homeowners up to $10,000 to build and register a secondary suite. The incentive applies to suites built within the main dwelling, not backyard or detached suites. Visit this page for more information on this program.

A proforma template must be submitted with the application, and detailed information about sources of funding and whether this funding is committed or anticipated will need to be included.

Projects that can demonstrate an ability to achieve occupancy faster will be prioritized.