The City of Weyburn in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, has embarked on the Commercial Incentive Program to support new and existing businesses through tax rebates.

Janine Fletcher, Planning and Development Officer with the City of Weyburn, said that the program is aimed at encouraging new commercial development and improvements to existing commercial properties, which is done through tax concessions or rebates.

"There are three categories for eligibility under the program, and they include facade and site improvements, new construction and vacant buildings. The city implemented this program in January of 2022." 

Fletcher said that the program is designed to help offset the costs of improvements to the exterior of existing buildings and sites. This in turn would help those businesses improve their street appeal and attract more customers.

"In terms of new businesses, the program can help attract new businesses to the city by providing a tax concession for building a new building or going into a vacant location. This would help them with the start-up costs for that project, and would also in turn help drive customers to existing businesses within those areas." 

She said that the city doesn't currently have a cap on the number of applications per year or the amount approved for incentives provided.

Fletcher added that all of the information about the program, including about the actual policy and criteria, as well as the application forms, are on the city's website. 

"We would also encourage any businesses to reach out to the city if they have a project in mind, and then we can work with them directly to see if their program is eligible for any of the categories in the program."

Interested businesses can contact the Planning and Development Department at 306-848-3221 or planning@weyburn.ca.