Cold Lake, AB – To create extra housing spaces in the community, council is considering implementing a secondary suite incentive program.

“With an increase in construction and potential job opportunities coming to our region, we’re looking ahead to try and curb the need for additional housing,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “Residents building secondary suites in their existing or new homes could be part of the solution.”

An incentive of $5,000 per suite was discussed at a recent Corporate Priorities meeting, where council felt this was a fair number, but with a potential cap at 20 approved applications for a total of $100,000 in funding.

Secondary suites allow for housing to be created without the significant cost and lead time required to subdivide and service new lots before additional buildings can be constructed. Suites also have the benefit of helping homeowners offset a portion of their mortgage.

Typically in the past, the City received an average of seven applications for secondary suites per year, up until 2012, when it jumped to 31 applications for a couple of years.

“We had a bit of a population boom from 2012-2014,” said Copeland. “People were struggling to find a place to rent, and with current rental opportunities nearing zero, we are about to face a similar situation from a decade ago.”

Secondary suites go through a range permits and approvals before work can begin and before it can be rented out. The process can be lengthy, and Council discussed options that could shorten the timelines. However, the opportunity for neighbours to appeal and be heard is an important part of the application process that Council wanted to keep.

The incentive program will be returning to council at the April 14 meeting for further discussion and consideration for approval. For more information on building a secondary suite in Cold Lake, visit www.coldlake.com/planning

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