Secondary Suite Incentive Program
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About the Program
Secondary Suite Incentive Program applications are closed. When the program launched in 2024, there were 13,000 secondary suites on the registry. Today, that number has more than doubled to 27,000. Calgarians stepped up, partnering with The City to create thousands of homes.
The Secondary Suite Incentive Program has supported safe housing for all. The incentive program provided qualifying homeowners with up to $10,000 to build and register a secondary suite.
The incentive program applied to suites built within the main dwelling, not for backyard or detached suites. Applications were limited to one per person, and ownership was required.
Qualifying homeowners applied for the incentive program with an active building permit for a secondary suite. All work done after application to the incentive program was considered, any work done before application to the incentive program did not qualify for funding.
Applicants qualified for reimbursement for the cost of installing all required safety elements that weren't in the space when the application was made. The day the application for the incentive program was made is used as the start date for work associated with the safety elements that were considered for qualification.
Work done prior to the date of application for the incentive program was not considered for funding. The incentive program wasn’t intended to fully fund construction of a secondary suite.
Updated requirements as of June 3, 2025
To ensure the program remains focused on the creation of housing supply, incentivized secondary suites will not be approved for a Short-Term Rental business licence for two years.
View translated incentive program summaries in various languages.
Example of work that qualified for the incentive program.
Homeowner applies to the incentive program on August 14. They have yet to apply for a new furnace in their suite.
A mechanical permit is pulled on August 18 and work to install the new furnace begins on August 19.
On August 28 a rough inspection is passed, confirming the new furnace is installed correctly.
After completing all required work, passing all Permit inspections (Building permit, Mechanical permit, Electrical permit, etc…) and having the suite registered, the homeowner submits their receipts and receives funds for the work to install the new furnace.
Example of work that did not qualify for the incentive program.
A mechanical permit is pulled on August 24 and work starts on installing a new furnace.
On September 7th, a rough inspection is passed, confirming the new furnace is installed correctly.
The homeowner applies to the incentive program on October 4 for funding for the new furnace.
The application is refused because the work was completed before applying to the incentive program.
The qualifying safety elements are outlined in the table below.
| Safety element | Cost* |
|---|---|
|
Safety element:
Egress window(s) |
Cost*:
$1,500 |
|
Safety element:
Hardwired and interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms |
Cost*:
$1,000 |
|
Safety element:
Protected exiting |
Cost*:
$1,000 |
|
Safety element:
Smoke tight barrier |
Cost*:
$4,000 |
|
Safety element:
Split heat/separate air (Not required for all secondary suites) |
Cost*:
$6,000 |
* Maximum eligibility for safety items is $10,000 per home.
Safety element details
Egress windows
Each bedroom must have one window that can be fully opened and used to escape during an emergency, such as a fire.
The windows must open without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. They must also open without removing sashes or hardware.
The window must have an unobstructed opening of 0.35 m2 (3.8 ft2) and no dimension less than 380 mm (15").
If your space's bedroom currently doesn't meet egress requirements, you qualify for this safety item.
Smoke-tight barrier
Drywall (minimum of 12.7 mm (½") thick) is required on the ceiling and on both sides of all wall studs that separate a suite from main residence and in the mechanical room. All drywall joints must be taped and filled with drywall compound to provide a smoke tight joint.
The mechanical room must have a solid-core door with a self-closing device.
If your mechanical room isn't completely covered in drywall and sealed, you qualify for this safety item.
Hardwired and interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Smoke alarms (SD) and carbon monoxide alarms (CO) must be placed at, or near, the ceiling of each floor level in both the primary dwelling and secondary suite. They are required in each:
- Bedroom
- Common space
- Supplementary spaces, including mechanical (furnace) rooms.
SD and CO alarms must be permanently wired to the electrical panel through a circuit that contains lighting or a mix of lighting and receptacles. The alarms must be interconnected. The activation of one smoke alarm must cause all alarms in the secondary suite to sound and a minimum of one alarm in the main residence.
Note: If a carbon monoxide alarm is present within 5 m of a bedroom, then only a smoke alarm is required in that bedroom. Single unit smoke and carbon monoxide alarm devices are acceptable.
If you don't have all required alarms or they are not hardwired/interconnected, you qualify for this safety item.
Protected exiting
You must ensure people can safely exit in a fire or emergency. If your suite's only exit is through an exterior staircase, where a window or other opening is located above the stairway, you are required to protect this exit.
If your suite exit contains an exterior unprotected stairway with a window or other opening located above, you qualify for this safety item.
Split heat / separate air
An independent heating and ventilation system that includes independent ductwork is required for new secondary suites.
If you don't have a separate heat source and plan to install one for your suite, you qualify for this safety item.
Additional funding for accessibility and energy efficiency
-
Up to an additional $1,900 for ENERGY STAR certified egress window and split heat/separate air equipment.
-
Up to an additional $7,500 for accessible spaces to those with common mobility issues.
Energy efficiency details
| Item category | Eligible energy efficient measure | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Item category: Egress windows |
Eligible energy efficient measure:
Certified Windows – ENERGY STAR |
Amount: $50 per rough opening ($250 maximum) |
| Item category: Split heat/ separate air |
Eligible energy efficient measure:
Natural Gas Furnace – ENERGY STAR |
Amount:
$200 flat rate |
| Item category: Split heat/ separate air |
Eligible energy efficient measure:
Heat/ Energy Recovery Ventilator (HRV/ERV) – ENERGY STAR |
Amount: $150 flat rate |
| Item category: Split heat/ separate air |
Eligible energy efficient measure:
Heat Pump (Ductless Mini-split) – ENERGY STAR |
Amount:
$500 flat rate |
| Item category: Split heat/ separate air |
Eligible energy efficient measure:
Heat Pump (Air Source/ Ground Source) – ENERGY STAR |
Amount:
$1,500 flat rate |
Accessibility standard details
The following must be provided by applicants wanting to qualify for accessibility funding:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance to the suite either by an at grade suite entrance (walk out suite scenario and alley in the back) or with a wheelchair lift (exterior or interior).
- Exterior door threshold no more than 50 mm in height.
- Minimum 1.5 m turning diameter in the living area, kitchen and bedroom.
- Minimum path of travel width of 920 mm throughout.
- Minimum doorway sizes of 850 mm in fully open position (3’ doors) throughout.
- Curbless or transition free shower.
- Ability to pull a wheelchair alongside a toilet for transfer. This may not necessarily need a 1.5 m turning diameter but space to do a three-point turn is needed at a minimum.
- A bedroom with no measurement smaller than 3 m for wheelchair access and transfer.
- Grab bars installed in key locations (beside toilet, within shower, any other areas where transfer is needed).
- Non-slip flooring.
- Lever style door hardware.
Review timelines
The time it takes for us to review your applications and other submissions depends on the volume we are processing.
Receipts/payment* verification: the receipt or proof of payment review.
- We are currently working on receipts submitted August 31, 2026.
Waitlist: applications made after June 23, 2026 were added to the waitlist. We are no longer accepting new applications.
- View the waitlist.
*Find examples below of submitted paid invoices. These have been redacted for privacy reasons (do not redact invoices when submitting them to the program). Submitted invoices need the following information visible:
- Payment date
- Suite address
- Customer name
- Marked "PAID" or show payments
Please note: materials, equipment and service receipts are also acceptable as proof of payment if you did not use a contractor for the work.
Building a safe secondary suite
Homeowners are responsible for the safety of the people living in their suite. A registered suite offers you added protection from liability. It reduces the risk of legal complications if an accident occurs on the suite property. Pulling the right permits and meeting the necessary safety code requirements ensures that a secondary suite is safe for others to live in.
To learn more about secondary suites, how to register your suite or apply for permits visit calgary.ca/secondarysuites.
Safety elements
The current National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition identifies safety considerations that must be in place in any secondary suite. You can find more information in the Secondary Suite – Existing prior to March 12, 2018 advisory and Existing Secondary Suite Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Frequently asked questions
How can I prepare to apply?
The program is now closed.
Can I do the work on my suite myself?
Yes. Homeowners can apply for their own building permit. You can also apply for homeowner electrical and plumbing permits.
While hiring a professional can be beneficial, hiring a professional for your suite project is not required.
What permits do I need for my suite?
Every suite needs a building permit. Most will also need an electrical permit, and some will need plumbing and HVAC permits.
You will need a development permit if:
- You aren't able to provide the required parking.
Visit Calgary.ca/suites for more information on this process. Under the Suite Amnesty Program there is currently no fee for development permits.
How long will it take my application for the incentive to be approved?
The program is now closed.
How long will it take to get the permits needed for my suite project?
This may vary depending on your project. More information on timelines can be found here.
Will I need inspections for my suite?
Yes, you will require inspections for each permit you get for your suite. Example: if you have an electrical permit and a building permit, you will need separate inspections for each permit.
More information on inspections can be found here.
Will suites with older permits be eligible?
Yes, any homeowner with a building permit for a secondary suite is eligible for the incentive program regardless of when the permit was obtained. The amount a homeowner will receive will directly depend on missing safety elements at time of review of the incentive program application.
Do I need to submit proof of costs for construction?
Yes, to receive your pre-approved amount, you will need to submit receipts or paid invoices for costs directly related to the construction of your suite. Only receipts and payments dated after your date of application to the incentive program will qualify for the total amount spent. You must spend at least as much as you were pre-approved to receive to get the full amount.
Example: John applied for the incentive on June 5 and the incentive program team verified he needed: an egress window ($1,500), hardwired and interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms ($1,000) and a smoke-tight barrier ($4,000). John’s pre-approval amount is $6,500. To receive his full incentive amount, John must submit receipts or paid invoices for at least $6,500, all of which must be dated June 5 or after.
What costs can I submit receipts for?
Any cost related to the completion of the secondary suite is eligible to be submitted as proof of costs.
Why only $10,000?
The incentive program is not intended to fully fund construction. It is to support those thinking of converting their space to a safe, registered suite. The incentive program will encourage people to consider adding a suite to their home legally. It aims to reach those that may require additional supports to transition their suites into safe and registered secondary suites.
If I received the funds, can I get a short-term rental business licence?
A secondary suite that received funds from the Incentive Program cannot be licenced as a short-term rental for two years after receiving the funds. If the funds are returned to The City in full, a Short-Term Rental licence can be obtained.
Background
Council approved the Secondary Suite Incentive Program in 2023. It received funding through the Municipal Budget and the Housing Accelerator Fund. As a key element action in Home is Here: The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy, the Secondary Suite Incentive Program aims to support all Calgarians through an inclusive and accessible program.
eLearning course
The eLearning course is a mandatory requirement to qualify for the incentive program.
Take our online course to learn more about the most important safety elements and the criteria you'll need to follow when constructing a safe secondary suite. Once you're done the course, ensure you register your successful completion.
Information: Component #4 Protected Exiting has been updated to align with the latest interpretation of the Building Code. Please see Building Advisory B23-012 for more details.
Translated information
View a summary of the incentive program in various lanuages: