Government and media
Canada’s housing challenge
Municipalities are being asked to accelerate housing delivery to address common challenges nationwide, including population growth, affordable housing, and rising construction costs. Working with partners across public and private institutions to solve these challenges and embrace being the housing engine of Canada.
How Calgary is responding
Calgary is responding to rapid population growth with record housing activity and continued improvements to its planning, permitting and inspection services. Supported by partnerships, local innovation and the Housing Accelerator Fund, Calgary is building the capacity and predictability needed to accommodate growth and help more homes move forward.
Calgary’s housing results
Calgary is supporting record housing activity while continuing to improve the municipal services that help development move from application to construction. Through process improvements, digital services, policy changes and collaboration with the development industry, The City is increasing its capacity to support growth, reduce processing times and enable a wider range of housing options.
Results at a glance
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27,952
2025
housing starts.
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7.59
2025
billion in building permits.
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23,000
2025
registered secondary suites.
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16
2025
reduction in application processing time.
— Data source: Calgary Development, Business & Building Services department
Calgary's continued growth presents both opportunities and pressures, requiring us to adapt the way we deliver services. By working closely with industry, government partners and communities, we are improving the predictability, transparency and reliability of the permitting, business licensing, and inspection processes that support Calgary’s growth and prosperity. Through ongoing service improvements, digital modernization, and investments in our people, we are helping more homes and businesses move from application to occupancy while maintaining the safety and service standards Calgarians and businesses expect.
- Mike Maleki, Director, Development, Business and Building Services
The municipal system behind the results
Calgary’s housing activity is not the result of a single program or policy. It is supported by coordinated improvements to municipal processes, digital services, regulations and industry collaboration. Together, these initiatives are helping increase system capacity, improve predictability and move appropriate projects forward more efficiently.
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Partial Permit Program
Allows eligible construction activities to begin before the full building permit is issued, helping qualifying projects advance while the remaining permit review continues.
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Online Inspection Booking System
Provides a digital route for scheduling inspections, making the process easier to access and helping The City manage inspection demand more efficiently.
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Remote Video Inspection (RVI) Program
Eligible inspections to be completed by video, reducing the need for some in-person visits and expanding how inspection services can be delivered.
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Secondary Suite Incentive Program
Support the creation and registration of secondary suites, contributing to housing choice while helping ensure suites meet applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
Case studies
Video Inspection in Real Time
Calgary introduced RVI to help builders complete projects faster while maintaining safety and compliance standards. By leveraging digital technology and flexible scheduling, the program reduced delays and improved service delivery for both customers and inspectors. Since launching in 2024, we have booked over 15,000 inspections by the end of 2025.
Secondary Suite Program
Calgary empowered homeowners to be part of the solution through incentives and dedicated support to help accelerate secondary suite development. This created more rental options and contributed to more diverse and affordable housing choices. As of 2026, there are more than 26,000 registered secondary suites in Calgary, doubling since 2024.
Resources
Media related inquires
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