Lake Country council wants more purpose-built rental housing options available in the community.
An incentive bylaw proposes tax breaks for developers who build units in the Town Centre and Woodsdale areas.
It outlines a streamlined approval process and a 10-year exemption on the municipal portion of property taxes for new buildings or additions to existing structures.
Lake Country faces a shortage of such rentals, with only 71 units available and none built since 2016. CAO Paul Gipps noted that the lack of options makes it challenging to attract and retain a workforce.
害羞草研究所淧urpose-built rentals are designed for those earning $50,000 (or more) a year,害羞草研究所� Gipps told council at its May 21 meeting. 害羞草研究所淭hose are a lot of the people we have in our community.害羞草研究所�
Gipps said the district would require a minimum of 10 units per development in the Town Centre and 15 units in Woodsdale.
Councillor Todd McKenzie pointed out the district害羞草研究所檚 housing needs study screams the need for purpose-built rentals.
害羞草研究所淭his is something we害羞草研究所檝e tried for a long time,害羞草研究所� he said. 害羞草研究所淲e keep getting shot down by upper governments害羞草研究所� lack of ability to produce the final okay for us.害羞草研究所�
Mayor Blair Ireland highlighted new provincial legislation that sets out housing targets.
害羞草研究所淭here is no way in the world will achieve those housing targets unless we do this,害羞草研究所� he added.
Coun. Heather Irvine expressed concern about the fairness of offering a 10-year tax break, questioning the impact on taxpayers.
害羞草研究所淚 see the need,害羞草研究所� she added. 害羞草研究所滲ut I don害羞草研究所檛 think it害羞草研究所檚 fair to taxpayers.害羞草研究所�
Ireland countered that the district would still get revenue from development cost charges and building permits.
Coun. Michael Lewis noted the challenging economic climate for developers, citing high construction costs and rising interest rates.
害羞草研究所淧eople are not going to come and do this without some kind of incentive,害羞草研究所� he added. 害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e not giving that much and I hope it does the trick.害羞草研究所�
Council gave three readings to the incentive bylaw with Irvine opposed.
READ MORE:
READ MORE:
