Calgary Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSIP)
Get up to $10,000 toward building a legal secondary suite in your Calgary home. Federal HAF funding may reach capacity as early as September 2026. Applications are first-come, first-served. The earlier you apply, the better your odds.
What Is the SSIP Grant?
The Secondary Suite Incentive Program is a City of Calgary program that reimburses a portion of construction costs to homeowners who build a legal secondary suite in their primary Calgary home. The program is funded through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund and is designed to increase the supply of affordable rental housing across Calgary.
The base grant amount is $10,000. Additional incentives are available:
- Energy efficiency bonus: Up to $1,250 for suites meeting enhanced energy performance standards
- Accessibility bonus: Up to $5,000 for suites designed to support people with mobility challenges
The program applies to secondary suites built inside the main home (basement or main-floor suites). It does not apply to detached backyard suites. Those qualify for the new Backyard Suite Incentive Program below, which offers up to $35,000.
Am I Eligible for the SSIP?
To qualify for the SSIP, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You own the property and it is your primary residence in Calgary
- The property is located within the City of Calgary boundaries
- You have an active Building Permit for a secondary suite (or are applying for one)
- You apply to the SSIP before construction begins. Work done prior to application is not eligible
- The suite is built within the main dwelling (not a detached structure. That's the Backyard program)
- The suite will be used as a long-term rental (short-term rental/Airbnb restriction applies for 2 years)
- You have not previously received SSIP funding for the same property
The City is currently processing applications submitted from February 2026 onward. If you haven't applied yet, now is the time to start. The sooner your application is in, the more secure your funding position.
How the SSIP Process Works with OAF
Free Consultation
We assess your property and confirm whether a legal suite is feasible and whether you meet SSIP eligibility criteria (primary residence, within city limits, permit required).
SSIP Pre-Application
Before any construction starts, we help you submit your SSIP application to the City. You'll receive a pre-approval confirmation that reserves your funding position.
Permit Application
OAF submits your Building Permit (and Development Permit if required) to the City of Calgary. This runs concurrently with your SSIP review.
Construction
Once permits are approved and your SSIP pre-approval is confirmed, OAF begins construction. All work is completed to City of Calgary and Alberta Building Code standards.
Inspections & Final Approval
The City inspects at key stages. OAF schedules and manages all inspections.
Grant Claim
After final occupancy approval, you submit your SSIP reimbursement claim with the documentation OAF provides. The City processes payment. Typically within 4-6 weeks of a complete submission.
Short-Term Rental Restriction: What You Need to Know
SSIP recipients are subject to a 2-year restriction on short-term rental (STR) business licences for the incentivized suite. This means you cannot operate the suite as an Airbnb or similar short-term rental for two years after receiving the grant. Long-term rental (month-to-month or fixed-term lease) is fully permitted.
If you decide later that you want to list the suite as a short-term rental before the restriction period ends, you can repay the incentive amount to the City and the restriction is lifted. This is a known option and the City has a formal process for it.
The Backyard Suite Incentive Program has a longer STR restriction: 5 year for each $10,000 received, up to a maximum of 3.5 years. So a homeowner receiving the full $35,000 would face a 3.5-year STR restriction.
SSIP vs. Backyard Suite Grant
Can you combine both grants? No. The SSIP applies to suites within the main dwelling, and the Backyard Suite Incentive applies to detached structures. They cover different project types. However, if your property could support both a basement suite and a backyard suite, you may be eligible for both programs on separate projects.
Now check if your project qualifies. 2 minutes.
Answer 8 quick yes/no questions and find out if your Calgary home qualifies for up to $10,000 from the SSIP. You also get a personalized rebate breakdown and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not immediately. The SSIP imposes a 2-year restriction on short-term rental business licences. If you intend to operate as an Airbnb from day one, you should weigh this against the $10,000 grant. For long-term rental, there is no restriction. Many homeowners find the $10,000 grant well worth the 2-year STR wait period.
Not on the same structure. The SSIP covers suites within the main dwelling; the Backyard Suite Incentive covers detached rear-yard structures. If your property has both a basement suite and space for a backyard suite, you could pursue both programs for two separate builds.
The City of Calgary is currently processing applications submitted from approximately early February 2026. Pre-approval typically takes 2-4 weeks. Post-construction reimbursement payment typically takes 4-6 weeks from a complete final submission. Your total wait for the money. From application to cheque. Is generally 6-10 months when factoring in construction time.
The SSIP does not maintain an "approved contractor" list. You are free to choose any licensed contractor. What matters is that your contractor builds to City of Calgary permit standards and uses a valid Building Permit, which OAF does on every project. We guide you through the grant application and provide all documentation the City requires for your reimbursement claim.
In some cases, yes. The City's legalization pathway allows unpermitted suites to be brought up to code with a permit. If the legalization work qualifies as new permitted construction, you may be eligible for SSIP funding. This is assessed case by case. Contact OAF for a legalization assessment.
After the amnesty deadline, Calgary moves into active enforcement. Homeowners with illegal suites risk formal work orders, fines, and being forced to stop collecting rent until the suite is either legalized or decommissioned. Legalizing now, while the amnesty window is open and grant funding is available, is strongly recommended.
Check Your Eligibility Today.
OAF Construction offers free consultations for homeowners considering a legal suite build or legalization project. We'll assess your property, confirm your SSIP eligibility, and give you a clear picture of costs and timelines.
Get a Free Quote- You own your Calgary home
- Your property is within city limits
- You want a legal secondary suite
- You want help with the SSIP application