In an effort credited to former Deputy Mayor Bob Coutts, the Village of Forestburg is now seeing traction from the Community Growth Incentive Program.
Council accepted two $500 credits for individuals who persuaded a family to purchase a home and move to Forestburg in recent months at the regular meeting of council held Thurs. Oct. 21.
If followed correctly, the program offers a property tax or utility credit of $500 as the incentive to bring more people to town to encourage residential growth.
The owners of Tax Roll #1870.000 and Utility Account #71501 were both granted $500 each for doing so.
Council asked administration about ensuring this program can’t be abused by possibly filling out fraudulent forms or the like.
Administration shared that forms used are checked and both parties sign the document to ensure accuracy.
Any local who brings a business to Forestburg can be eligible for $1,000.
“It’s awesome it’s getting used,” said Dep. Mayor Dwayne Giroux. “We got a heck of a lot of mileage out of this.”
The village plans to promote the program again as a ‘step in the right direction’.
Community enhancement fund
A request was received from the Forestburg Power Sports Association to receive a cheque for $1,000 from the Community Enhancement Fund which council approved.
The funds are designated for the Area 53 Raceway.
Organizational meeting
Council held the annual organizational meeting where a mayor and deputy were selected, meeting times were discussed, and committees were given appointed members.
Council selected Blaise Young as mayor and Dwayne Giroux as deputy.
“There are exciting times ahead. I think we have great momentum. I am certainly honoured,” shared Young after his nomination was accepted.
Meeting dates remain as is at the second and fourth Thursday of the month commencing at 7 p.m.
Terri Huxley
ECA Review
