FAQs

A Secondary Suite is:

• An additional dwelling unit;
• Accessory to a principal dwelling;
• A separate unit with its own entrance, bathroom, sleeping and cooking facilities

City Council is looking at ways to increase opportunities for renters in our community and directed Administration to bring options forward for consideration.

Blanket rezoning in Calgary refers to a recent comprehensive citywide change in zoning regulations designed to address the housing crisis by allowing higher-density residential developments. This new zoning policy permits the construction of townhomes, row homes, and other high-density housing types in areas that were previously restricted to single-family homes and duplexes. The Calgary City Council approved this measure on May 14, 2024, following a historic 15-day public hearing that included over 700 speakers and 6,100 written submissions.

In contrast, the proposed amendments in Grande Prairie are significantly different. No land will be rezoned as part of this amendment. The City’s existing low-density residential districts—RG (General Residential), RS (Small Lot Residential), and RR (Restricted Residential)—already list secondary suites as a permitted use. The proposed changes would simply expand the number of homes in these districts eligible for secondary suites. Additionally, the City’s land use bylaw will continue to allow a maximum of two dwelling units on a parcel of land, including a secondary suite or backyard suite. In comparison, Calgary’s new policy permits up to eight units on a parcel of land in low-density residential districts.

No, the City did not receive funding from the Federal Government's Housing Accelerator Fund, nor was the City forced to make these changes in order to receive that funding. The Federal Government created the Housing Accelerator Fund in the spring of 2023 to help municipal governments increase their housing supply. Each city was required to present an application, including an action plan with specific initiatives and supply growth targets. The action plan had to include at least seven initiatives and commit to a housing supply growth target that increases the average annual rate of growth by at least 10%, exceeding 1.1%.

However, Grande Prairie did not receive the Housing Accelerator funding. Moreover, the proposed changes in Grande Prairie do not meet the Federal Minister’s expectations to be eligible for that funding, such as creating a minimum of four units per lot in all residential zones. Therefore, these amendments are independent of federal programs and are driven by local needs and policies.

Allowing secondary suites provides homeowners with increased flexibility and freedom in how they use their property. Here are several keyways this policy empowers homeowners:

1. Additional Income: Homeowners can generate rental income by renting out the secondary suite. This additional income can help offset mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance costs, making homeownership more affordable.
2. Multi-Generational Living: Secondary suites provide a convenient option for multi-generational living. Families can accommodate elderly parents, adult children, or other relatives while maintaining privacy and independence for both households.
3. Utilization of Existing Space: Homeowners can make better use of existing space, such as basements or detached garages, transforming them into livable areas without the need for significant new construction or land development.
4. Supporting Affordable Housing: By increasing the availability of rental units, secondary suites contribute to the overall housing supply, helping to address affordability issues within the community.

Permitted uses will be approved by the Development Officer, provided that they meet all provisions of the Land Use Bylaw. No notification of adjacent landowners is required.

Discretionary uses are uses that may be approved by the Development officer. They require notification of adjacent land landowners and are subject to appeal by the owner or adjacent landowners. A permitted Use decision where the Development Officer has allowed a variance to the regulations may also be appealed. 

No, and this is one of the benefits of secondary suites. These suites add more housing units without requiring additional roads, stormwater management, or water and sewer expansion.  

City Council meetings are open to the public for both in-person and virtual participation. Here are the ways you can get involved:

1. Written Submissions: Submit your written comments to Council for consideration by May 29, 2024. Email your submissions to Legislative Services at AgendaAdmin@cityofgp.com.
2. Virtual Participation To participate remotely, contact the Legislative Services Department at AgendaAdmin@cityofgp.com or call 780-357-8747. You will receive an email with a link to join the public hearing via Zoom.
3. In-Person Participation Attend the meeting in person. During the public hearing, the Mayor will invite audience members who wish to speak to come forward. You will have five minutes to address the Council.

Any personal information submitted in any written comments in response to this notification are collected under the authority of Section 33(a) and 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, RSA 2000, c. F-25 as amended from time to time and Section 636 of the Municipal Government Act, RSA 2000, c. M-26, as amended from time to time, for the purpose of receiving public participation in municipal decision-making. Your name and comments will be made publicly available in the Council Agenda.