On August 12, 2025, the City of Calgary announced that up to 20,000 secondary suites have been registered through the City’s Secondary Suite Registry. “Twenty thousand registered suites signals policy innovation, council commitment and resident action,” said Josh Howes, Secondary Suites program manager. “Each registration represents a homeowner who has taken the time to meet the fire, building and land use requirements creating a space that contributes to the safety and resiliency of the entire community.”

This is a significant milestone, and your home can be next. The City of Calgary is offering qualifying homeowners up to $10,000 through its Secondary Suite Incentive Program. If you’ve been thinking about adding extra living space, now’s the time to act. In this blog, we’ll cover what a secondary suite is, how the rebate program works, who can apply, and the steps to claim your rebate. Plus, why this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Let’s begin by understanding what is meant by Secondary Suite in Calgary. 

What Is a Secondary Suite?

A secondary suite is a self-contained living space within your main home. It has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, making it completely independent from your primary living space.

In Calgary, homeowners build secondary suites for different reasons, including housing family members, accommodating long-term guests, or generating rental income. This added space offers flexibility, making your property more functional and valuable. For many, it’s a smart way to adapt their home for changing needs while boosting long-term market appeal.

Overview of the $10,000 Rebate Program

The City of Calgary’s Secondary Suite Incentive Program helps offset compliance costs. Homeowners can receive up to $10,000 toward essential safety elements like egress windows, smoke/CO alarms, smoke-tight barriers, heating, and protected exits.

The program also offers extra funding for energy-efficient upgrades and accessibility improvements, potentially increasing your total rebate. The City’s goal is to create more safe, affordable housing while encouraging property owners to invest in modern, compliant suites that benefit both residents and the wider community.

Who Can Apply and What’s Covered

To apply, you must own a property in Calgary and plan to build a secondary suite within your main dwelling (not detached backyard suites). You also need an active building permit before applying.

The suite must meet all safety, building code, and permit requirements. Eligible expenses include:

• Egress windows
• Hardwired and interconnected smoke/CO alarms
• Protected exits and smoke-tight barriers
• Split heat or separate air systems (if applicable)
• Accessibility features like wider doors, ramps, and non-slip flooring
• Energy-efficient upgrades like ENERGY STAR-certified equipment

Only work completed after your application date qualifies for funding.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

·        Step 1: Get a building permit for the secondary suite

Visit apply.calgary.ca to apply for your building permit before any construction begins.

·        Step 2: Complete any required learning modules

Some applicants may need to take online safety or compliance training provided by the City.

·        Step 3: Submit your rebate application before starting construction

The program only covers work done after you’ve applied for the incentive.

·        Step 4: Complete the suite and pass final inspections

All safety and building code requirements must be met before final approval.

·        Step 5: Submit proof of work and claim the rebate

Provide invoices, receipts, and photos showing completed eligible upgrades.

Why Building a Secondary Suite Makes Sense in Calgary

Adding a secondary suite in Calgary offers multiple long-term benefits:

• Provides space for multi-generational living
• Increases overall property value
• Helps address the city’s housing shortage
• Allows you to upgrade and modernize underutilized areas of your home

With the rebate, you can make these improvements more affordably and get a return on your investment sooner.

To Summarize

The City’s Secondary Suite Incentive Program is a win-win. You improve your property while getting financial help to do so. By developing a code-compliant suite, you gain flexibility, long-term returns, and a competitive edge in today’s market.

Don’t miss out before the program closes. Partner with Remarkable Projects for a professionally built, fully compliant secondary suite, and start your application today.