The County of Stettler is revamping its approach to attracting commercial investment, giving first reading to a revised non-residential tax incentive bylaw.
During its Oct. 14 meeting, the county council revived an initiative first introduced in 2023 that required lengthy legal reviews.
While the initial draft proposed a five-year sliding tax exemption scale, Coun. Justin Stevens introduced a motion to pivot the program to a three-year structure with 100 percent tax forgiveness.
Council also broadened the scope of the policy to include established local businesses looking to grow, rather than just new businesses.
According to the draft bylaw, qualifying non-residential projects must have a minimum eligible capital cost of $500,000, alongside a $500 application fee.
Tax exemptions would apply strictly to the municipal portion of property taxes.
County staff noted that a three-year structure could lead to “sticker shock” for businesses when full taxes resume in year four.
Projects overseen by provincial regulatory bodies, including oil and gas developments, confined feeding operations, and power generation would not be eligible.
The bylaw will return to council for a second reading with the three-year tax exemption and business-expansion amendments.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
