North Battleford's municipal services committee has given its approval to a recommendation that council approve a 21-unit condominium on Killdeer Drive for funding under the city's controversial new Residential Down Payment Grant Program.
That recommendation, which passed Monday night at committee, will now be considered by the full council at their regular meeting next week and islikely to receive final approval.
The project being proposed is from Glencoe Developments Inc. of Lloydminster. The developers plan to build on a lot that has been vacant since 1999 at 2322 Killdeer Drive.
The condominiums are to be marketed to entry-level purchasers. Administration had recommended council designate the project under the city's new program, that allows the City will provide a grant equal to a $5,000 down payment toward the purchase of an affordable housing unit for homeownership purposes.
Thenew policywas adopted at an Oct. 11 city council meeting over the opposition of two councillors - Brad Pattinsonand Trent Houk.Houk continued to voice opposition to the policy at this week's municipal services meeting.
Hewas skeptical atthe claim of city planner Tim LaFreniere, in his Oct. 14 memorandum, that mill rates wouldn't go up to pay for the homeowner grants on the condo units.
LaFreniere explained those approved for the grant were also responsible for taxes on the property under the program - unlike some other programs offered by the city where units would not be subject to taxation for a period of years.
Over time under thisprogram, revenue brought in from property taxes on the units would ultimately finance the grants,said LaFreniere.
That explanation did not sway Houk, who said taxes would still becoming off the property.
"To me it'srobbing Peter to pay Paul," said Houk. "I'm not going to support this."
Other councillors, however, were supportive offunding under the program. Councillor Grace Lang said the lot had stood empty for many years.
"It's about time we put something there," said Lang, and if it cost a little bit more to get it moving then so be it."I will definitely be supporting this," Lang said.
