A new framework to help spur the construction of new show homes in Weyburn was introduced during last night’s city council meeting. The policy would see the construction of a new show home, that meets the eligibility criteria, receive a grant for 100 percent of the property tax for the home for the first three years. 

“I think it’s going to help Weyburn in general in their competitive position in terms of it attracting new residents and just helping with some lower vacancy rates we’ve had over the years,” explained Patrick Grunert, a building official with the city.  

The eligibility includes it being the construction of a show home on vacant properties that meets all applicable building codes, development requirements and zoning bylaw requirements. The applicant must use 50 percent local content in the construction, labour, trades and/or materials, and it cannot be occupied during the period in which the exemptions apply.  

Other criteria include the show home having a minimum of 1000 square feet above grade and an attached garage, and must have a grassed or turfed front yard, a hard surface driveway and finished posterior deck.  

“(It will) provide some economic activity, encourage, hopefully, some local contractor and local builders and local businesses to expand some of their business in the city, and it demonstrates the City of Weyburn’s commitment to some economic development,” Grunert added.  

Weyburn will be the fifth city in Saskatchewan to adopt such a program, behind Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton and Martensville.