Weyburn city council unanimously supported granting a one-year full tax exemption for a property at 54 Queen Street, with the condition that a business be developed on this property, at their virtual meeting on Tuesday evening.
The proposed business was not identified, but city manager Mathew Warren said, “The intent is to provide tax exemption to attract new business and create additional employment opportunities in the community.”
The tax exemption is allowed under the Cities Act, and is subject to the sale of the land to the applicant, and confirmation of the business proposed for the property, which is currently vacant. The applicant also has to accept the concession within 120 days.
According to information provided following the meeting by Warren, the taxes on that property for 2021 are worth $39,733.18, which includes the municipal portion of $27,406.16, and the education portion of $12,237.02. The applicant still needs to determine if the exemption will apply for 2021 or 2022.
Asked if city taxpayers will be on the hook for the school portion of the taxes, Warren said the council has the authority under the Cities Act to exempt school taxes without having to make up those taxes.
“There’s a balance that needs to be held for development within the city, as we try to stimulate development. We as a city have very limited amount of tools in our toolbox to try to go forward and impact the business environment, especially within these stressing times, and also for what we can actually do for stimulation. At the same time we have to balance with other taxpayers, so that’s why we’re limiting what we’re doing. There’s a balancing act that we have to do,” said Mayor Marcel Roy.
“We have to do something to stimulate business, but at the same time we can’t be giving out too much,” he added.
Coun. Dick Michel agreed with his comments, noting that council worked hard on this particular issue.
“It’s not just for this individual who’s had this request, it’s for the future. There are other people who live in this community too, people who say we need infrastructure and different repairs too,” he said.
“You want to give handouts to everybody, but you have to watch what you’re doing. You’re dealing with taxpayers money,” he added, noting that to exempt this amount of taxes for a year sounds rich, but infrastructure needs always comes into the conversation.
“I think we made a wise decision, and I wish Mr. Stewart all the best in his new endeavour,” said Council Michel.
• In other council business, council passed a resolution in support of a request by Souris-Moose Mountain MP Dr. Robert Kitchen, supporting the establishment of “988”, a three-digit hotline number for suicide prevention in Canada.
“I’m sure everyone here has known someone who has been in crisis,” said Mayor Roy. “Although there’s no easy solution, this is a resolution that council can make in support.”
