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 more in exchange for giving back to the community. 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. It can provide more affordable housing, improve public spaces, preserve heritage, and create 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 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.

Download Terms of Reference

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.

This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically.