INNISFAIL – A Special Tax Bylaw has been approved for businesses along 61st Avenue in West Gate Industrial Park to pay their share of the road’s 2020 reconstruction cost.
Town council was presented with a staff report, along with a recommendation the 61 Avenue Special Tax Bylaw be approved, at its regular meeting on April 12. The new bylaw, along with its three readings, was passed unanimously.
“I know director Steven Kennedy (director of operational services) and his group spent a great deal of time surveying and working with the affected people along 61st Avenue,” said Town of Innisfail Mayor Jim Romane. “I think they came up with a good compromise and it didn’t seem to be too badly received. I just can’t get over the improvement it has done for the area too.”
The roadway at the west side of the industrial park was upgraded in 2020 from a gravel avenue to a paved industrial collector road. The entire 650 metres of the existing roadway was widened and curbs and gutters were installed. Asphalt paving was completed, as well as the approaches into all businesses along the avenue. Drainage improvements were also included to eliminate ponding water along the edge of 61st Avenue.
Council was told the contract for the 61st Avenue improvements was worth $913,655.83, and approved on April 27, 2020.
Erica Vickers, interim director of corporate services, reminded council that administration was directed a year ago to come back this month with the Special Tax Bylaw to recoup 15 per cent of the project cost.
Council was told administration determined that $587,565 -- which covers the paving portion of the 61st Avenue reconstruction project -- would be included in the calculations of the special tax.
Vickers’ report stated 15 per cent of $587,565 worked out to $88,134.75, a total amount 10 property owners will have to pay back to the town through the special tax in a 15-year agreement. Each year the town will be generating $5,875.64 in new tax revenue.
The report added the annual amounts each property owner pays back to the town over the next 15 years varies from a low of $207.40 to a high of $1,032.33.
Council was told administration will mail out combined taxation/assessment notices by April 22, which will have the special tax listed.
The new Special Tax Bylaw must be brought back annually to town council for approval.
