COLD LAKE — Another rental unit is in the works for Cold Lake, with City Council approving a ,000 incentive to help a homeowner develop a secondary suite in Horseshoe Bay Estates.

During its October 13 regular meeting, council approved an application under the City’s Secondary Suite Development Incentive Program for a property at 1422 Horseshoe Bay Estates.

The project involves creating a new residential suite above the property’s existing garage, adding another potential rental option to the community.

The $5,000 incentive is provided as a reimbursement grant, meaning the homeowner must complete the project and obtain the required approvals before receiving the funding.

The application marks the fifth approved under the program since it was introduced in May 2024.

Cold Lake established the incentive to encourage homeowners to create safe, legal secondary suites while helping address housing shortages, rising rental costs and the need for more housing options.

The program was renewed by council on June 23, 2026, with a total funding allocation of $100,000.

Under the program, up to 20 eligible secondary suite projects can receive $5,000 each.

With the latest approval, five applications have been approved, leaving funding available for another 15 eligible projects.

Secondary suites can include basement suites, garage suites and garden suites, allowing homeowners to add rental accommodations to existing residential properties.

The City says these units can provide housing options for young adults, seniors, local workers, military personnel and families looking for rental accommodations.

They can also help increase the number of available rental units without requiring entirely new residential developments.

To qualify for the incentive, projects must meet the City’s zoning requirements and comply with applicable development, building and safety regulations.

The homeowner at 1422 Horseshoe Bay Estates has already received development approval for the proposed suite, and administration confirmed the application meets the program’s eligibility requirements.

The reimbursement will be issued once the project is completed and the City receives the required documentation, including a Development Completion Certificate.

Council’s approval does not mean the suite is ready for occupancy, but it brings another potential rental unit one step closer to becoming available in Cold Lake.

The Secondary Suite Development Incentive Program continues to accept applications from eligible property owners.