Estevan city council announced during the meeting held on Aug. 27 that the city would be going ahead with the business incentive program that had been proposed by economic development co-ordinator Dwight Bramble.
The new plan has three key components. The first is that any new or existing business that constructs a new location within city limits can receive a property tax exemption for the next three years. The second component is that under the incentive program any commercial property within city limits that has undergone storefront façade and other improvements can receive a property tax exemption equivalent to 25 per cent of the costs of the improvement, or $15,000, whichever is the lower amount. The final incentive is the city will partner with community foundations, business enterprise centres, Community Futures Development Corporations and other entities to identify and support business retention and transition opportunities.
Jackie Wall, executive director for the Estevan Chamber of Commerce, said that the Chamber has been involved with the business incentive program from the beginning and members are excited to see the city moving in a direction to help businesses in the community.
“The chamber was a part of the entire process, we have two members that are on the economic developing committee, as well myself in attendance as a resource,” said Wall.
“The program was spearheaded by Dwight Bramble, and he took a look at what other cities are doing, and what our city could do to offer business incentives and we are very encouraged by this. It’s a great step in the right direction for our city; not only will it help new business in perhaps moving into the area, but it will also help existing businesses with perhaps renovations or remodelling or those kinds of things.”
Bramble began working on the incentive program several months ago, prior to SaskPower’s July announcement that Units 4 and 5 at the Boundary Dam Power Station will be eventually retired. The announcement has since caused uncertainty in the community.
“This business incentive program will be a living document so it will be reviewed periodically,” said Wall.
“So we can constantly look at what else we can offer to members of the community, and were very happy that the city is taking this proactive approach to helping businesses in Estevan.”
According to Wall although there has not yet been adequate time to speak to business owners in the community regarding the incentive program, there are several business owners from the community who are members of the economic development committee.
“We have quite a unique committee in this city,” said Wall.
“Because we have members from city council, members from the chamber of commerce and members at large, that represent different industry sectors. All of those members were involved with the formulation of this program, so we’ve already taken into account different businesses in different sectors, and their feedback helped to formulate this whole plan.”
Wall also said that she encourages people from the community to provide constructive comments or ideas they believe could be of benefit to the incentive program.
“The other thing that is extremely encouraging, is that we are looking at having a business incubator in the community, and that is a huge, huge step forward,” said Wall.
“I don’t think there is a community of this size in the province that has an incubator, so that is a huge asset that the city can offer businesses that are looking to expand or open, or to attract entrepreneurs to the community.”
According to Wall the economic development committee is also working in several different areas to continue expanding business opportunities and formulize investment opportunities for local and outside investors to stimulate business within the community.
“We want to make sure the economic development community, and Dwight Bramble in particular, really get the credit they deserve for these business incentives,” said Wall.
“We’re very encouraged with the work that has already happened, Dwight has only been in his current position for about a year and there’s a lot of work that has been done, and a lot of opportunities that are opening up in the community.“
