C​​​algary’s Push to Legalize Basement Suites: Opportunity or Challenge?

In Calgary, more homeowners are starting to see the value in turning their basements into safe, legal rental suites. Take contractor Caleb Roddick, for example. Through his company, Red Door Construction, he has already completed around a dozen secondary suites across the city. Recently, he purchased a bungalow in the Glamorgan area with plans to bring its decades-old basement rental unit—once illegal—up to code.

“The plumbing was a mess, the electrical unsafe, and the windows didn’t meet fire-safety standards,” Roddick explains. “But with the city’s new rules, I think many people will take the chance to upgrade their suites properly.”

C​​​​​algary’s Amnesty Program

Back in June 2018, Calgary launched a two-year amnesty program for illegal secondary suites. This followed the city council’s decision to make suites a “discretionary use,” meaning homeowners no longer had to go through the council for approval. While bylaws and building codes still applied, the process to legalize became far simpler. The response was strong. Since then, over 11,000 legal suites have been registered in Calgary, and nearly 90% of them were added during the amnesty period. And here’s the latest update: the program has now been extended until December 31, 2026, giving homeowners even more time to bring their suites up to code without paying development and registration fees (normally about $700 per suite). After 2026, however, the City has signaled that enforcement will become much stricter.

W​hy This Matters for Homeowners

For homeowners, legalizing a suite isn’t just about compliance—it can also mean more income. Roddick expects that after upgrading his Glamorgan basement, he’ll earn up to 15% more rent than before.

The costs aren’t small—basic upgrades may run around $10,000, while a brand-new suite built to today’s standards can cost $55,000–$75,000. Still, many owners see this as an investment. A legal suite makes a home easier to sell, more attractive to buyers, and a solid mortgage helper in a flat housing market.

👉 Curious about what it costs to develop or legalize a suite in Calgary? Check out our Basement Legal Suite Cost Guide.

T​he City’s Realistic Goals

Back when the program launched, the City targeted about 1,600 applications in the first two years—less than 10% of the estimated 16,000 illegal suites in Calgary. Today, that number has been far surpassed, but officials say there is still a long way to go.

Cliff de Jong, who has overseen the secondary suite file for more than a decade, explains: “There are still big barriers to legalizing, and we know not everyone will take the step. But removing fees and streamlining the process is helping.”

A​​​​​Safer Future

Supporters argue the changes not only make the process fairer but also improve safety. Past tragedies, including fires in unsafe suites, have shown the risks of leaving things unregulated. Councillor Druh Farrell has long pushed for these reforms as a way to honor those families and encourage safer housing options across the city.

Opponents worry the changes could lead to a flood of new basement suites, but experts like Pernille Goodbrand from the University of Calgary say evidence doesn’t support that fear. Other cities that streamlined their rules didn’t see massive increases—just safer, higher-quality suites.

T

​he Bottom Line

For Calgary homeowners, the shift is clear:

• 

  Financial barriers are lower thanks to waived fees until December 2026.

• It’s easier than ever to legalize a basement suite.
• Enforcement will increase in 2027 for unregistered suites.
• Upgrades boost property value and rental income.

As Roddick puts it, “With the real estate market being so flat, people are looking for ways to earn a bit more money while staying put. Legalizing suites is going to be a big part of that.”

H​​​​​ow Alta Home Can Help

At Alta Home, we’ve transformed over 400 basements into safe, legal suites for Calgary homeowners. We handle permits, design, construction, and inspections—taking the stress out of the process and ensuring your suite meets every requirement.

👉 Thinking about legalizing your basement suite before the amnesty ends in 2026? Contact Alta Home today and let our team make it easy, safe, and profitable for you.