Secondary suites are separate living spaces within a larger home that include a kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom. These suites are part of the same property and together are considered one single home. View the complete secondary suite definition in the Zoning Bylaw
INCENTIVES
Many residential properties in Campbell River are now zoned to permit secondary suites as a result of Bill 44. The City has implemented supports to incentivize the construction of secondary suites where permitted.
Grant Program
The City is offering $5,000 grants for the construction or legalization of secondary suites. The grant program is funded through the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). Fifty grants are available.
You may be eligible for this grant if:
- No other secondary suite grant applications have been made to the City for the property.
- The suite complies with all zoning requirements, including parking.
- You can provide an accepted building permit application and number dated after January 1, 2025.
- The building permit for the secondary suite passes a final inspection.
To apply:
- Complete the Building Permit Application available at Applications, Resources and Forms Overview
- Complete the Secondary Suite Grant Program Application which must include your building permit number, and email it to sustainability@campbellriver.ca.
Grants are awarded to successful applicants upon a final building inspection of the suite, not by the date of application to the program. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as grants are limited.
Other Incentives
In addition to the grant program:
- The City will waive fees for building permits for secondary suites and all accessory dwelling units until December 31, 2027.
- BC Building Code sound attenuation requirements for existing secondary suites will be waived until December 31, 2027.
- A 20 per cent reduction in sewer and water utility fees is in place for accessory dwelling units.
- There is also a Provincial Secondary Suite Incentive Program and a proposed Federal Secondary Suite Loan Program, to be launched in early 2025.
LINKS