The city is reminding residents that there’s a basement suite program in St. Albert and it’s currently accepting applications.
Created in 2008, the program has spent $750,000 in provincial affordable housing money to create 46 completed units, leaving about a dozen on a waiting list. Earlier this year, council committed another $229,000 to the program, money that should fund another 15 to 20 units, said director of planning and development Curtis Cundy.
The city will accept applications until the money runs out, he said.
The program covers up to 70 per cent of construction costs to the maximum eligible limits of $15,000 for a new suite and $10,000 for an existing basement suite.
Participants must enter a five-year operating agreement with the city to keep the rent affordable, Cundy said. To be eligible, homes must also provide a separate entrance and on-site parking.
“Not every property would necessarily qualify,” he said.
Basement suites can be developed in single-detached houses within R1 or R2 districts. Applicants must have a valid development permit before applying.
The program helps aging residents create revenue from their properties and stay in their homes longer, said Mayor Nolan Crouse. It also provides more options for renters, he said.
He’d like to keep the program going if the province continues to provide funding.
“We get continual reinforcement of making sure that council keeps an eye on affordable living in St. Albert,” Crouse said.
More information on the grant program and basement suite requirements are available at www.stalbert.ca/basement-suite-information.
