Downtown Density Bonusing Offset Program
The Downtown Density Bonusing Offset Program provides an incentive to help build new homes in the Greater Downtown Area.
Density bonusing lets developers build extra floors in exchange for giving back to the community. For example, they can give money to a community fund, create affordable housing, or add public art.
The Downtown Density Bonusing Offset program will offset the bonusing costs for eligible projects. It aims to encourage new high-density residential projects in the Greater Downtown area.
The program aims to support downtown revitalization and increase economic activity, safety, and vibrancy by:
- Building new homes faster and increasing the number of people living downtown.
- Keeping community benefits like affordable housing and public art when building more.
- Encouraging different types of buildings and businesses downtown.
- Supporting property values and taxes.
- Making the ground level more lively with active spaces.
Benefits of density bonusing
Density bonusing can help The City reach its goals of providing more affordable housing, improving public spaces, preserving heritage, and creating community and cultural gathering places.
Program eligibility
Program area
The program is for projects in the Greater Downtown Plan Area. This includes Downtown Core, Downtown West, Eau Claire, Chinatown, East Village, and Beltline communities.
Program criteria
The program is open to projects that meet the following criteria:
- Located in the Greater Downtown Plan boundary.
- Must create new residential units.
- Contribute money to a Council-approved Fund for density bonusing.
- Not have a released development permit or started building construction before May 1, 2025.
Available funding
Approved projects will get the incentive to pay for all density bonus items, contributed to a Council-approved fund. This is subject to available funding.
Reimbursement information
Approved projects will get reimbursed after they meet construction goals and fulfill all conditions of the funding agreement.
Please refer to the Terms of Reference for full program eligibility requirements.
How to apply
For more information or to begin an application, please email adam.sheahan@calgary.ca or downtownstrategy@calgary.ca.
Terms of Reference
Learn more about the program, criteria, and application process.
Bonusing terminology
Floor Area Ratio
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) shows how much building space there is compared to the land size. You calculate FAR by dividing the building's total floor area by the lot size.
Base density
The City sets a base density (FAR) that can be built without needing to give bonus items for extra density.
Bonus density
If a developer wants to build more than the base density (FAR), they must give bonus earning items to get extra density (FAR).
Bonus earning items
Bonus earning items can be:
- On-site public amenities: Publicly Accessible Private Open Space (PAPOS) like parks, plazas, or recreational areas. Public art. Indoor community or cultural space.
- Affordable housing: Providing affordable units in the development or giving money to a City fund for affordable housing.
- Community Investment Funds: Beltline Community Investment Fund (BCIF), Downtown Improvement Fund.
- Heritage preservation: Heritage Density Transfer, Heritage Conservation.
- Mobility network implementation: Improving the city's transportation infrastructure.