The Municipality of Jasper is hoping to increase the housing supply by offering financial incentives for building accessory dwelling units.
Council unanimously approved the program and associated policy on Tuesday (April 16), with the program anticipated to launch on May 1.
“We feel this is a wonderful program that supports all residents, both homeowners and those looking for housing,” said Leanne Pelletier, municipal housing manager.
The program will offer up to $30,000 for eligible applicants to develop a net new accessory dwelling, either by including this unit in their rebuild plans or adding it to an existing building.
Applicants looking to convert an existing unit that is unpermitted into a permitted one can receive up to $10,000.
Administration estimated that 30 net new units would be created over a three-year period because of the program. Grants are fully funded by the Housing Accelerator Fund, with $780,000 allocated to this program.
Mayor Richard Ireland asked whether all funds should be made available immediately on a first-come, first-served basis.
“My concern was that might advantage those who are in position to rebuild more quickly, including people who have not lost property because of fire, and disadvantage those who, for any number of reasons, will be delayed in getting building permits,” Ireland said.
Beth Sanders, director of urban design and standards, replied that if the money was consumed quickly, they could reallocate some other pots of money within the Housing Accelerator Fund. Administration will monitor the program and make adjustments if necessary to ensure equitable access.
There is no preference in grant distribution between creating new units and renovating old units, and grants will typically be limited to one per property.
Eligible expenses under the program include costs to meet Alberta building code requirements and costs associated with construction, including design, permitting and engineering fees.
Funding will not be provided for items that have a high range of discretion, such as appliances or furniture.
“It is important to note that the intent of the grant funding is to create net new units in the community to house residents in the long term,” Pelletier said. “Funding is not permitted for use of the creation of home accommodation units [for tourists].”
Administration and Parks Canada are finalizing details of the mechanism that will ensure these units are restricted to residential long-term use.
Coun. Scott Wilson asked when the applicant would receive the grant.
Pelletier replied while they were still working on the final administrative procedures, funds for the design fees, with a cap of $2,500, and permitting fees could be at the start of construction.
The rest of the funds would be distributed at the end of construction, and the applicant would need to provide receipts along with pictures and proof that the building has received an occupancy permit.
An individual leaseholder can apply to both the clean energy improvement program and the accessory dwelling incentive program.
Pelletier said they would create a web page with more information and develop social media posts announcing the launch.
