The City of Calgary has extended its secondary suite amnesty program to December 31, 2026. City Council passed the extension as part of its ongoing response to Calgary's housing supply shortage, giving owners of unpermitted suites one final opportunity to legalize without back-enforcement penalties.
What Changed
The original amnesty program had an earlier sunset date. The December 31, 2026 extension provides additional time for homeowners who have not yet started the legalization process. Council has indicated no further extensions are planned after this date.
Two key concessions remain in place through the deadline: development permit application fees are waived, and secondary suite registration fees are also waived. Both would normally run several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on suite complexity.
SSIP Grants Still Available — For Now
The Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSIP) continues to offer grants to cover the cost of eligible code upgrades:
- Up to $10,000 for general suite legalization work
- +$1,250 for energy-efficient egress windows
- +$5,000 for accessible accommodation modifications
However, the SSIP is partially backed by Canada's federal Housing Accelerator Fund. That federal backing may be withdrawn as early as September 2026, which could reduce available grant amounts or close the program before the December 31 amnesty deadline. Homeowners who want to access the maximum grant should aim to begin their applications before the end of summer.
What Homeowners Need to Do
To legalize a basement suite under the amnesty program, homeowners must bring the suite up to the City's minimum safety standards and obtain a development permit and secondary suite registration. The four core safety requirements are:
- Egress windows in each bedroom
- Interconnected smoke and CO alarms
- Protected exit route with fire-rated construction
- Minimum ½" Type X drywall fire separation
For a full breakdown of requirements and costs, see our Legal Basement Suite Calgary service page.
After December 31, 2026
The City has been clear: after the amnesty deadline, enforcement activity will increase. Inspectors will be more actively identifying unpermitted suites through permit applications on adjoining properties, insurance claims, tenant complaints, and routine inspection triggers. Owners of unregistered suites after the deadline will face:
- Standard development permit fees (no waiver)
- Potential fines for bylaw violations
- Mandatory code compliance without grant assistance
- Possible mandatory suite closure orders
Need Help Before the Deadline?
Custom Home Builders Ltd handles the full legalization process — permits, construction, and SSIP grant documentation. Book a free site assessment today.
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