This pilot program aims to speed up the review and approval process for Development Permits (DP) for four missing middle housing types in Calgary. While preserving the public interest aspects of discretionary development permit applications, this program builds on our existing processes, aiming to accelerate the development of infills by streamlining the review and approval stages.

Program updates:

• We’ve added a new housing typology to the program: a three-unit corner townhouse with a minimum of three secondary suites.
• Updated eligibility criteria:
  • Designs with minor revisions to an already-approved Development Permit (DP) may now qualify, as long as the changes don’t require relaxations or major site redesigns.
  • You no longer need an approved and released Building Permit to apply.
• Design submission flexibility:
  • Applicants can now submit up to two designs. Be sure to label them as your first choice (#1) and second choice (#2).
  • While we’ll prioritize first-choice submissions, we may include second choices if we receive fewer than 12 eligible designs. This will be at the discretion of the IFTP team.
• We’ve increased the number of designs we’ll accept into the catalogue from 9 to 12.

Program goals:

• Faster approval timelines: Achieve faster approval times for high-quality designs that suit standard R-CG lots in the inner city, addressing the diverse needs of Calgary's communities. 
• Predictable results: Offering consistent and predictable timelines, costs, and built forms, this initiative simplifies property development for homeowners, thereby contributing to an increase in housing availability.

Key outcomes:

• Enhanced predictability: Use pre-reviewed designs to establish predictable housing forms and site design, thereby eliminating the need for review by the Development Approvals Review Team (DART). 
• Accelerated reviews: Shorten the review time for Development Permits (DP) by using pre-reviewed designs to approximately eight weeks, promoting quicker inner-city development.
• Design catalogue: Create a detailed catalogue of pre-reviewed designs for Development Permits (DP) using a transparent and rigorous design selection process.
• Improved service levels: Enhance service levels by providing more predictable timelines and costs for building applications.

From 2023 to 2028, Calgary is expected to welcome around 110,000 new residents. To accommodate this growth, the Infill Fast Track Program (IFTP) 2.0 aligns with the City's current goals and strategies to increase housing supply and promote diverse housing options.

“Home is Here - The City of Calgary's Housing Strategy”

• Provide diverse housing and supply in developed communities on R-CG parcels.
• Streamline planning processes for better service delivery.

Calgary’s Municipal development plan (MDP)

• Contribute to increase in housing supply, as outlined in the Municipal Development Plan (MDP 2020, section 2.3.1), by accommodating a mix of dwelling types to meet various housing needs and enabling people from diverse economic and demographic backgrounds to live in the same community.

Proposed Calgary Plan

• Enhance service delivery while supporting diverse housing options, which aligns with the Proposed Calgary Plan (3.1.4 Housing – a: allowing a variety of housing types in all neighborhoods through supportive policies, processes, and regulations).

Overall, this program is designed to make the development process more efficient and predictable, benefiting our customers by reducing delays and uncertainties.

1. Faster approval times: The streamlined processes for Development Permits (DP), mean that customers can expect quicker approval times, reducing the overall project timelines.
2. Predictable costs and timelines: With consistent and predictable timelines and costs, applicants can better plan their projects and manage budgets more effectively. 
3. Simplified processes: Utilizing pre-reviewed designs eliminates the need for additional reviews by the Development Approvals Review Team (DART), further speeding up the process and reducing uncertainty.
4. Available housing options: The focus on missing middle housing types and infill development supports a variety of housing options for our customers to choose from, catering to diverse community needs and housing opportunities for future homeowners.

Call for Design Submission for IFTP 2.0 coming in Fall 2025! Sign up for updates below.