Delta council this week approved two new bylaws in an effort to stimulate growth and investment in the community.
Civic politicians Monday night approved two revitalization tax exemption program bylaws - one aimed at industrial development and tourism, and the other to encourage investment in the retail and commercial centres in South Delta. The industrial development and tourism program strives to promote higher-end industrial development by offering incentives for proposals in excess of $10 million, encourage rezoning of land to higher value industrial uses, protect the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area from development on adjacent property, and encourage diversification and expansion of tourism accommodation and facilities. The South Delta revitalization tax exemption program bylaw aims to encourage investment in new and existing retail, commercial and mixeduse projects to create a strong local economy and expand local employment opportunities, investment to enhance the town centres of Ladner and Tsawwassen, and to preserve and enhance existing heritage buildings and developments that leverage the heritage feel of Ladner Village.
This bylaw is a direct result of the South Delta Business Sustainability Strategy, said Sean McGill, Delta's director of human resources and corporate planning.
The strategy was put together following extensive research by a consultant, which included consultation with Delta's business groups. The strategy is aimed at helping the business communities in South Delta adjust to life with the massive Tsawwassen Mills and Tsawwassen Commons shopping centres set to open later this year at the Tsawwassen First Nation.
Coun. Sylvia Bishop said she was happy to see the incentives extended to include proposals that maintain and enhance heritage buildings.
The municipality already has four similar existing bylaws, including one offering incentives for developments along Ladner's waterfront.
When questioned by Coun. Ian Paton, McGill said the lack of development along Ladner's waterfront to date, despite efforts by the municipality, can be blamed on the provincial government's policy of only signing twoyear water lot leases. "It's 100 per cent of the reason why we're not moving forward right now," McGill said, adding that staff are in contact with provincial staff on a weekly basis and are pushing for 30-plus year leases.
Both bylaws come with tax exemptions and fee reductions if proposals fall within a certain criteria. Qualifying developments could be eligible to have property taxes frozen for up to three to five years, as well as a 60 per cent reduction in civic fees.
