Downtown Non-Market Office Conversion Grant

Downtown Non-Market Office Conversion Grant

The City of Calgary is inviting non-profit housing providers to apply for funding to help convert underutilized office buildings into non-market homes in the Greater Downtown Plan Area. 

This grant supports Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan and the Home is Here housing strategy. It helps speed up the creation of affordable housing and supports vibrant, renewed communities in the heart of the city.

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Program details

Eligibility criteria

Eligible applicants must be one of the following:

  • A registered charity, society, or non-profit with a Calgary office
  • A City of Calgary subsidiary
  • Indigenous organizations (First Nation Band Councils or Métis organizations in Treaty 7 or Districts 5 & 6)
  • Registered Indigenous non-profits serving urban Indigenous populations
  • Applicants may partner with other organizations, but the eligible applicant and approved partner(s) must maintain legal and beneficial ownership of the project.

Ineligible projects include:

  • Projects outside the Greater Downtown Plan Area
  • New construction or additions to existing buildings
  • Properties owned by any level of government
  • Buildings not classified as commercial office (non-residential)
  • Applicants with unresolved City funding agreement defaults

Application criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • A minimum of 3 years’ experience delivering similar housing projects
  • Strong financial capacity and audited financials
  • A detailed project readiness plan, with permits issued within 12 months
  • Compliance with affordability requirements:
    • Target households earning 65% or less of Calgary’s Median Income
    • Monthly rent capped at $1,592.50

Projects offering deeper affordability will be prioritized.

Funding and financial contributions

  • During the review process, City staff will identify any other City grant programs that may limit, in part or in full, an applicant’s ability to access this grant
  • Funding is for non-market residential units and approved support spaces only.
  • Payments will be made after costs are paid. They will be reviewed every quarter.
  • Applicants are encouraged to stack other City funding programs (up to 30% of the project cost per the Terms of Reference).

Project requirements

To apply, you’ll need to provide:

  • Project location and ownership/title documents
  • Current tenancy details and relocation plans
  • Description of proposed unit mix and affordability 
  • Housing need being addressed
  • Unit and bedroom mix, including anticipated monthly rents
  • Architectural drawings or schematics
  • Project timeline, construction milestones, and cost estimates

Applications must show:

  • How residents will be identified (e.g., through service referrals)
  • Rent levels and number of affordable units
  • Any planned inclusion of commercial or mixed-use space

Program area

This grant supports projects that turn office buildings into non-market housing. Projects in key areas of the Greater Downtown Plan Area are given priority.

Questions?

For any questions related to the grant, please contact cpaffordablehousing@calgary.ca with the program name in the email subject.

Evaluation and prioritization

Stage 1: Basic eligibility (pass/fail)

  • Organizational eligibility
  • Capacity and experience
  • Financial readiness
  • Project location and type
  • Target population and affordability

Stage 2: Project prioritization

Projects will earn points based on:

  • Affordability levels (up to 35 points)
  • Design elements: access to natural light, bike parking, ground-level activation, etc. (up to 30 points)
  • Indigenous housing inclusion (up to 35 points)

How to apply

Completed applications must be submitted to
cpaffordablehousing@calgary.ca.

Application form

Opening date: July 28, 2025
Applications will be accepted until September 12, 2025.

Terms of Reference

Learn more about the program, criteria, and application process.

Download terms of reference

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. ​

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