Secondary suites, second‐class citizens: The history and geography of Calgary's most controversial housing policy

Key Messages In Calgary, unauthorized secondary suites are geographically concentrated in specific immigrant and low‐income neighbourhoods. The majority of secondary suites are operated by absentee landlords, challenging the narrative that multi‐generational housing among immigrants dominates the secondary suite market. Unequal power relations among landlords, community associations, oppositional neighbours, and renters shapes secondary suite policy, potentially jeopardizing the health and safety of renters.