A proposed Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to provide property tax incentives to promote investment in key sectors of the community will be highlighted during the planning portion of the March 2, 2020 Chatham-Kent council session.
If approved by council, the plan will provide property tax relief in some circumstances for the development of new large residential apartment buildings with over 50 units, affordable housing, industrial development and commercial projects.
“I’m excited about having the ability to use incentives to help reduce our rental housing shortage and stimulate industrial development,” stated Mayor Darrin Canniff in a press release.
“Other Ontario communities are using these types of tools very successfully.”
John Norton, Chatham-Kent’s General Manager of Community Development, said the CIP follows council’s decision in late 2018 designating the entire Municipality of Chatham-Kent as a Community Improvement Project Area.
It aligns with the Chatham-Kent Growth Strategy and council’s 2018-2022 term priorities, Norton said, adding that incentives are project-based and reflect investment in areas of greatest need in the community.
“We believe the CIP is a result of listening to the community and potential investors and developing something that meets the needs of both,” Norton said in a media release.
“I expect it will stimulate growth and help Chatham-Kent realize its potential.”
Norton said for several years, the municipality has offered a wide range of business development services and programs to help stimulate private sector investment that has resulted in business attraction, retention and expansion, generated jobs and created new opportunities.
Written representations in support of or in opposition to the plan should be directed to Municipality of Chatham-Kent Planning Services, 315 King Street West, Box 640, Chatham ON N7M 5K8.
Those who wish to address Council respecting this matter are requested to notify the Municipal Clerk by telephone at 519-360-1998 prior to the meeting.
Copies of the plan are available at municipal service centres during business hours.
An online copy of the plan can be found, here.
