By Angela Brown

N.B. approves mini-mall, deliberates over tax incentive

Sep 11, 2018 | 10:00 AM

Area residents will soon see a new mini-mall taking shape in North Battleford.

North Battleford City Hall approved a discretionary land use application request to develop a strip mall, or mini-mall with accessory residences at 1542 100th St. at Monday’s meeting.  

The applicant planned to develop two vacant lots for the two-storey site that will be able to accommodate six businesses, as well as space on the upper floor for residences for managers and caretakers.  

Mayor Ryan Bater said he welcomes more development in North Battleford.

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“One thing that was unanimous among council was the excitement of somebody wanting to have a major development in one of our key commercial corridors, which is great to see,” he said following council. “It will add some more options for commercial properties. As well, part of the features of this property that was approved tonight was the residential option intended for managers or owners of those businesses, for them to live above them. We’re excited to see an interest in investing in North Battleford.”

The applicant, Aaron Cadrin, currently owns and operates his business, Aaron M. Cadrin Investment and Insurance Solutions Inc., at 1512 100th St. He stated in his written submission that he plans to move to the new space when it is ready and use two units in the establishment. There will be space for four more businesses to rent when the new site is complete. He added he expects construction to start in the next couple of weeks.

The city didn’t receive any correspondence from residents opposed to the development proposed.

Tax Incentive request tabled

The project proponent also asked for a tax incentive for the new development, based on the city’s New Build Incentive for people building downtown. Council had mixed views on this request since technically, the aim was to boost new development, specifically in the downtown. The proposed new development will actually be outside of the downtown core but still in the city’s commercial corridor. 

New Build Incentives reserved for downtown development cover 100 per cent of the municipal taxes for the first three years, followed by partial discounts in the fourth and fifth years of the program. 

Jennifer Niesink, Director of Planning and Development, said in her report “there would be little impact to tax revenues” if the incentive was granted. She added the city would see increased tax revenues in the long term. As well, the new development would in effect remove this property from the city’s Vacant Commercial Property List, eliminating the increased tax rate.

Council ultimately decided to table the issue Monday.

“It’s a difficult one for council to wrestle with because we have an established policy for downtown,” the mayor said. “This particular business is not within the downtown … So it’s outside the parameters of the existing incentive policy. ” 

He added other businesses have made tax incentive requests over the last few years, and some have been denied, so he is concerned about not setting a precedent for the new proposed development. 

“Council voiced tonight some of the concerns they were having,” said Bater. “They just require more time to think about the implications of this decision.

“It’s a big decision. Once council makes the decision, if there is another request in the future you have to be consistent,” he added. “So you have to think about the other possibilities that are out there.”

Angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW