It’s a Suite Deal

Edmonton announces $8.5 M grant funding for secondary suites

Edmonton, June 12, 2008 – New funding and new rules will allow more secondary suites in Edmonton, making more housing available to Edmontonians.

Through the City’s Cornerstones Plan, $8.5 million is now available through three different secondary suites grant programs. The program is expected to create up to 618 affordable housing units.

"Edmonton is innovative and responsive in creating a diverse range of housing choices for our citizens. We have an excellent record of working with the community and industry to create affordable housing and the Cornerstones Secondary Suites Grant Program will enable citizens to partner with us to create more opportunities," stated Mayor Stephen Mandel.

This funding is in addition to the $33.8 million announced April 28 to create 370 units for 2007-2008 Cornerstones funded projects. The City of Edmonton plans to create up to 3800 affordable housing units by 2010 through the Cornerstones Plan with funding provided by the Government of Alberta and City of Edmonton.

The city is also launching consultations on allowing secondary suites in mature neighborhoods and further lifting restrictions throughout the city. Over the next few weeks, the City will gather input through two open houses, a web survey and stakeholder meetings. Once these are complete, a recommendation will be made to City Council in the fall.

"This is great news for Edmonton. Not only do secondary suites provide more affordable housing options, they also provide a revenue source for existing and potential home buyers," said Councillor Karen Leibovici.

More information and the web survey will be available on the City’s Secondary Suites website www.edmonton.ca/secondarysuites