The Exclusionary Politics of Secondary Suites in Calgary: Homeowners Seeking Class Monopoly Rents
Date
2018-06-29
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Abstract
Secondary suites, broadly defined as additional rental dwelling units within single-detached properties, have been a contentious topic in Calgary’s municipal politics for the past three decades. In most cases, suites operate in basements and thus conceal living standards and evade the gaze of the local state. To date, Calgary maintains a high restrictive approach to secondary suites in established suburban areas. Evidence suggests an effective opposition from a vocal minority of residents and community leaders has inhibited secondary suite proponents from easing barriers to legalization. These housing politics are the focus of this study. Using a mixed-method approach, I explore the key institutional actors opposing secondary suite legalization, the basis of their opposition, and the mechanisms they use to steer policy toward their interests. A major finding is that exclusionary practices of neighbourhood governance and coalitions among community association leaders have been an integral part of Calgary’s secondary suite outcomes.
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Keywords
secondary suites, urban political geography, neighbourhood politics, homeowners, urban planning
Citation
van der Poorten, K. A. (2018). The Exclusionary Politics of Secondary Suites in Calgary: Homeowners Seeking Class Monopoly Rents (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/32258