YORKTON - Yorkton Council voted unanimously to once again make changes to what was it’s Show Home Rebate Program.
Now the program has morphed into a Lot Sales Rebate Program.
The Show Home Rebate Program Policy was adopted in October of 2023, initially providing up to five qualified contractors with a $20,000 lot price rebate upon building a show home on Heath Court (in the York Landing Subdivision), explained Michael Eger – Director of Planning, Building & Development with the city.
The SHRP was later updated to provide more aggressive incentives (50 per cent lot price rebate) and to establish parameters around, build timelines, floor area, decks, landscaping, and finishing materials.
“With only one application, the SHRP was again updated in February to waive the application deadline so long as construction could be completed this year,” said Eger.
“With only one application, the policy was again expanded in April to apply to all City-owned R-1 and R-2 lots, and not just those on Heath Court.”
Housing starts remain low, with only two active builds. In response to the low residential construction activity, decreased rental unit availability and interest from another builder is constructing a four-unit dwelling in York Landing, Council resolved, at their July 29 meeting.
The policy is designed to be straightforward and remove as many barriers as possible to the sale of lots. Key aspects of the policy are:
* Open to any purchaser (and not just contractors).
* Offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
* Rebate would be applied at the time of sale in order to remove funding/lending complications for purchasers
* No “build-by” or sunset clause as the city’s current vacant land mill rate typically generates enough property taxes to push vacant land owners towards starting construction (if they do not build), the city receives sufficient revenue to justify the sale.
*Multiple entries would not be eligible until October 1st, after which sufficient time will have passed for other applicants to enter the program.
Following Council’s decision, promotion of the program through City News, social media and radio will be renewed.
Council has previously earmarked $295,000 towards the sale of five residential lots. Council may want to consider using the full funding if demand warrants, to incentivize more units, added Eger.
