Should Saskatoon Offer Tax Breaks to Encourage Downtown Development?

Official title: Planning and Development - New Development Incentives Program

Closed Policy & Studies Economy & Jobs Housing & Communities
Saskatoon wants to replace its current development incentive program with a new one focused on the downtown core and corridor growth areas. The proposed program would offer five-year tax abatements to developers who build housing or revitalize vacant properties in targeted areas. Grants up to $250,000 could also be available for projects that don't increase property taxes.

Why This Matters

Looking for housing in Saskatoon? This could mean more apartments and condos downtown. Own property in the city centre? Tax incentives might boost your neighbourhood's development. The goal is to fill vacant lots and bring life back to underused buildings.

What Could Change

Developers building in downtown Saskatoon could get up to 100% property tax relief in year one, phasing down to 50% by year five. Projects that don't increase taxes could receive grants up to $250,000. The current Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse program would be replaced entirely.

Key Issues

  • Should tax abatements be offered to encourage development in the City Centre and Corridor Growth Areas?
  • Should grants up to $250,000 be available for projects that don't increase property taxes?
  • Should the current Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse program be replaced?

How to Participate

  1. The public comment period has closed. You can still speak to the Standing Policy Committee on January 14th or submit a letter. Visit saskatoon.ca/writetocouncil for instructions.
  2. Review the committee report on the proposed Development Incentives Policy.

What Happened

The public comment period has closed. A report on the proposed Development Incentives Policy will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services on January 14th for approval.

Key Documents