Saskatchewan's Secondary Suite Incentive Program: A Strategic Opportunity for Homeowners
In response to the increasing Saskatchewan population and rising pressure on the rental market across the province, the government of Saskatchewan has introduced the Secondary Suite Incentive (SSI) Grant Program. This initiative offers financial support to eligible homeowners looking to add rental suites to their primary residence – creating more housing options for renters and increasing the homeowner’s monthly income.
Program Overview
The SSI program provides up to 35% of the total price to construct a new secondary dwelling on a homeowner’s primary property, to a maximum of $35,000. This grant helps to offset construction costs while enabling homeowners to generate rental income. The grant is available only to owner-occupied properties and for only one suite per primary residence.
To qualify, the suite must create a new suite and not a renovation of an existing secondary dwelling. The suite must also meet all the requirements of the National Building Code of Canada and any applicable municipal bylaws.
Benefits of Adding a Secondary Suite
There are multiple long-term benefits of adding an approved secondary suite including:
- Supplemental rental income to help offset mortgage payments, property taxes or operating costs for the property.
- Flexible living arrangements for multi-generational families including in-laws, extended families or adult children.
- Increased property value, especially when the suite is fully permitted and income-generating, adding long-term value for future homeowners.
Costs Included in the Grant
The program covers a comprehensive range of construction-related expenses including professional fees for architectural and engineering services, construction materials, labour costs, interior finish work, essential mechanical systems like electrical and plumbing as well as any HVAC installations. The program also allows for up to $5,000 towards standard appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers. It does not, however, cover things such as landscaping, driveways, non-contract labour costs and furniture. The focus of the grant is on the construction activities directly related to increasing the rental capacity in Saskatchewan.
Compliance Requirements
In addition to meeting the regulatory standards of the National Building Code of Canada and municipal bylaws, size restrictions limit suites to 80 square meters or 80% of the home’s total floor area, excluding garages and shared spaces.
Homeowners are responsible for all permits and approvals before construction begins and before the suite can be used for rental income. These compliance requirements protect both the homeowners and future suite renters while ensuring the suites meet all safety standards. Homeowners are also responsible for paying all PST on eligible purchases and ensuring their contractors are licensed PST vendors.
Timeline and Application Process
The program operates under strict timelines and requires homeowners to plan carefully in order to be eligible. Costs must be incurred between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2026 with all construction completed by March 31, 2027.
The application process requires extensive documentation including proof of home ownership, all building permits, itemized invoices for all eligible expenses, contractor business information and PST license verification. Homeowners must also have municipal occupancy certificates or equivalent documents before submitting their applications.
The Saskatchewan Secondary Suite Incentive Grant is an excellent opportunity for homeowners across Saskatchewan to invest in their properties, increase housing availability and affordability as well as generate long-term income. The program’s $35,000 in funding helps remove some of the financial barriers and makes adding legal rental suites more accessible than ever.
To learn more information about this program and how to get started, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s website here.
