12/15: On Dec. 15, secondary suites once again go to Calgary city council for blanket approval

$5,000: Last September, council waived the $5,000 fee normally charged for applying for a secondary suite

1.4%: Calgary's vacancy rate has been hovering around 1.4 per cent, which, along with Edmonton is the lowest in Canada

Provincial politicians submit letters of support to Calgarians for Secondary Suites

Provincial MLAs and party leaders are joining a growing throng of secondary suite supporters leading up to a crucial vote at city council Dec. 15.

"As a former small business owner, I know the importance of attracting and retaining talent to our rapidly expanding city," said Alberta Party leader Greg Clark, in a letter submitted to Calgarians for Secondary Suites, the grassroots group behind the We Support Secondary Suites campaign. "For workers to come to our city, we need safe and affordable options for them to transition."

Motion to provide 18-month window under review

Calgary homeowners with existing illegal secondary suites could have an 18-month window to get city approval if a current motion by council is approved.

On Monday, Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot suggested establishing a year-and-a-half "relaxation" for homeowners with current suites to meet with city officials and determine if their suites are legal or apply to make them so. After the 18 months, owners would be fined for a first offence.

The motion would also enable city administration to identify legal suites on an interactive map available to the public.