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Land Incentives Launched
by Dawn Wickstrom
Two rural municipalities north of Virden have united to offer tax breaks on property to new residents in an effort to attract new residents and businesses. The R.M. of Miniota will provide tax-free property and the area is hoping to attract a population boom after several years of steady population decline in the region, which includes the communities of Miniota, Crandall, Arrow River, Isabella and Beulah.
“I don’t know of any rural communities in Manitoba that are growing,” said Thomasina Charney, Economic Development Officer for the Miniota Archie CDC.
She said the region could see the light at the end of the economic development tunnel in 2008, particularly if the expansion of the Rocanville, Saskatchewan potash mine creates 500 new jobs as promised. Some workers from the region commute to Saskatchewan to work in the mine. “It’s feasible for workers to live in rural communities, because of the mine’s 12 hour shifts and four days on, four days off work schedule,” she said.
New residents and businesses that come into the two rural municipalities are being offered tax-free property up to $1,500 per year for residential property buyers, and up to $2,500 per year for new business start-ups. Any vacant municipal-owned lot can be bought for $1, provided that a new home or business is constructed or moved onto the lot within two years.
“This is the first time that I am aware of, that neighbouring municipalities have cooperatively implemented an incentive for the benefit of positive regional community development,” Charney said.
“We worked very closely with municipal staff and councillors to draft the by-law which would address one of our development plan priorities for 2007,” Charney said. The by-law is intended to provide opportunities and financial support for growth.
She said attractive incentives are needed, and economic development organizations need to work closely with local governments. The Incentive Tax Credit is in effect from Jan. 1, 2008 until December 31, 2010.
“It’s time we demonstrate to the world that this area offers quality of life and that we are equipped to manage change, maximize opportunities and create a more sustainable future,” Charney said.
The by-law was approved by the two rural municipalities in December. Charney said she is optimistic that the incentive program will be the stop to the steady decline in the rural population, and she said major developments or job-creation projects within the region can benefit rural communities that take a proactive approach to capitalizing on opportunities. As well, smaller communities can offer many benefits to companies seeking to expand or move into the region, particularly less-costly land than that in urban areas.
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