Junior planner Brett Kitchen, right, discusses the Heritage Tax-Incentive policy at council's Zoom meeting. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Supporting heritage

City offering Heritage Tax-Incentive

Jun 17, 2021 | 12:00 PM

Those interested in improving their heritage properties in North Battleford might be able to receive a little help from the city.

Council approved a Heritage Tax-Incentive policy at its meeting this week.

The aim of the policy is to encourage the revitalization and restoration of heritage properties in North Battleford by providing tax-based incentives to the owners of eligible sites.

The policy to abate taxes applies to owners of existing buildings and businesses that upgrade their properties through exterior preservation or improvements.

Junior planner Brett Kitchen said in his report, for rehabilitating “character-defining elements,” such as replacing deteriorated doors, windows, cladding, roofing, cornices, mouldings, architectural trim and/or other significant features, the materials used, sizes and configurations should match the original, where possible.

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He said administration understands that original materials may be difficult to locate; that’s why the policy states “where possible.”

“Each application will be required to be brought forward to council,” Kitchen said. “Therefore, council will have the opportunity to decide if the heritage elements are being preserved, or if the works falls outside of the intent of the policy.”

To be considered for the program, properties must be located in North Battleford and be 60 years of age or older.

For projects valued from $250,000 to $499,000 on the building permit, the length of time eligible for tax exemption is two years, while projects valued at $500,000 and over on the building permit, are eligible for a three-year tax exemption.

All taxes related to the property must be current. Only one application per property is permitted within the 24-month time period of the policy. Council will determine whether the proposed project is eligible for the incentive.

According to the city, the abatement will begin when the project is completed.

–

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow