HEART OF OUR CITY COMMITTEE AGENDA

DATE: Wednesday, February 11, 2015

LOCATION: Culver City Room

TIME: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Regular Meeting)

1. Approval of Agenda

2. Adoption of Minutes a. January 14, 2015 (Attachment 1)

3. Business Arising from Minutes

4. Strategic a. Sub-Committee Reports:

i. Downtown Incentives: (Attachment 2) ii. Infrastructure & Parking: (Attachment 3)

iii. Regulatory Change: (Attachment 4) iv. Marketing: First meeting scheduled for February 19

th @ 4:30 in City Hall - Room 110

v. Common Initiatives: Full HOC Committee

Safety and Security initiative – What is HOC strategy on this issue? Who is doing what? o Where is home? Documentary Film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-B5-SQP1uM o Available support programs (Attachment 5) http://community-links.ca/ServicesDirectory.aspx o Public Washroom Strategy – HOC role o Think Tank for Daily Meaningful Activity - Workshop Invitation – brainstorming meeting to discuss options and

opportunities for more purposeful daily activities for Housing First Clients. Organized by Community & Social Development Department – February 17

th CASA Community Room 9:30 – 12:00 – registration required.

b. Business Arising from Sub-committees

5. Operational (program & budget)

a. Approved budget (Attachment 6) b. 2015-2018 Fee-For Service Agreements (Update)

i. First Friday (Attachment 7) motion to approve required c. HOCHIP & TRIP (Attachment 8)

i. Endorsement and recommendation to City Council d. Round Street Gateway update

6. What’s Happening

a. Members of the Public b. Entity reports c. Planning Initiatives Manager

i. Activity Grant update ii. February 17

th City Council Presentation: Strategic Directions for Downtown (overview)

7. Individual Reports

8. Next Meeting March 11, 2015 in Culver City Room a. Set date for next Joint HOC-DBRZ meeting b. Review Galt Gardens Concept Plan Scope

9. Future meeting Topics a. Stakeholder consultation strategy/process b. Celebrating success

10. Adjournment

MINUTES of a meeting of the HEART OF OUR CITY COMMITTEE, held on Wednesday, January 14th, 2015, at 4:00 p.m., City Hall, Council Boardroom with the following in attendance:

CHAIRMAN: Mark Bellamy, Urban Development Institute MEMBERS: Belinda Crowson, Lethbridge Historical Society Suzanne Lint, Allied Arts Council Grace Duff, Chamber of Commerce John Pogorzelski, Southern AB Ethnic Association (SAEA) Ryan Parker, Councillor Heather McIntosh-Rivera, Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) Marko Hilgersom, Citizen-at-large Jane Edmundson, Citizen-at-large

Kate Connolly, Citizen-at-large OTHERS: George Kuhl, Planning Initiatives Manager

Jeff Greene, Director of Planning and Development Cidnee Lorenz, Recorder Brittany Wickenheiser, Recorder Trainee Chris Spearman, Mayor ABSENT: Wallie Desruisseaux, Downtown BRZ

Patricia Luu, Citizen-at-large _____________ ________________________________________________________________________ CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 4:02 p.m. MEMBERSHIP:

Election of Chair: o S. Lint moved that Mark Bellamy be elected as Chair for 2015.

CARRIED

New Membership: o Jane Edmundson – Citizen-at-large o Mark Bellamy – Urban Development Institute

ADOPTION OF AGENDA: S. Lint moved that the agenda be approved with the following addition:

Operational: o h. Billboards

CARRIED ADOPTION OF MINUTES: K. Connolly moved that the minutes of December 10th, 2014 be approved.

CARRIED

STRATEGIC: Sub Committee Membership:

New Member Appointments: o H. McIntosh-Rivera – Add to Downtown Incentives o J. Edmundson – Add to Regulatory Changes

Committee Membership Changes: o G. Duff – Remove from Regulatory Changes

Sub Committee Reports:

Sub Committee’s did not meet over Christmas; next meetings are set for end of January.

Meeting date for the Marketing Sub Committee is to be determined.

OPERATIONAL: Proposed 2015 Budget Approval:

Adoption of Budget: o Council’s approval of the budget is not needed; however an annual report from HOC is

required each year. o Activity Grant:

The Bright Light Festival will be required to submit an application for the Activity Grant.

If after the February 6th deadline there were not enough applicants to use up the full amount allocated to the Activity Grant, policy states that remaining funds can then be used as applications come in throughout the remainder of year.

Activity Grant information session will be held tomorrow night, information has been put out via social media as well as distributed to the entire City.

As there was an add-on resolution to report back to City Council on the Activity Grant; it is important to maintain good record keeping.

o DLBRZ provides a yearend report with regards to First Friday. o The following change should be made:

Remove “Bright Lights incl.” from the HOC Activity Grant line. o G. Duff moved that the four (4) year budget be approved with the provision that it be

reviewed annually by the HOC Committee. CARRIED

DLBRZ Fee-For-Service Agreements: o First Friday:

The draft agreement was attached for review and the following changes will be made:

Page 2 #15 – Change “thirty (60)” to “sixty (60)”.

Review and revise layout of Page 2 #15 – c-h.

Add provision that an annual report be submitted to the HOC for review.

NO MOTION WAS MADE TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT - discuss at next HOC meeting.

o Main Street Program: The draft agreement was attached for review and the following changes will be

made:

Page 2 #15 – Change “thirty (60)” to “sixty (60)”.

Review and revise layout of Page 3 #15 – c-h.

Add provision that an annual report be submitted to the HOC for review.

R. Parker moved that the Mainstreet Program agreement be approved, subject to the above changes.

CARRIED o Clean Sweep Program:

The draft agreement was attached for review and the following changes will be made:

Page 4 #15 – Change “thirty (60)” to “sixty (60)”.

Add provision that an annual report be submitted to the HOC for review.

Page 2 footnotes ii – Incomplete sentence.

Page 3 #10 b – Should “Thirty (30) days” correspond with number #15? o G. Kuhl to review and revise as needed.

Review and revise layout of Page 4 #15 – c-h. Is there an opportunity to include pamphlet distribution within the

ambassador’s scope of work? M. Hilgersom moved that the Clean Sweep Program agreement be approved,

subject to the above changes. CARRIED

o Community Futures: Community Futures provides an interest free loan to downtown businesses; the

Heart of Our City pays the interest. This is a unique type of funding and HOC would be open to other Financial

Institutions funding the program if approached. The draft agreement was attached for review and the following changes will be

made:

Revise name, removing “Revitalization”.

Add provision that an annual report be submitted to the HOC for review.

R. Parker moved that the Community Futures agreement be approved, subject to the above changes.

CARRIED Branding and Marketing Strategy:

Draft Terms of Reference: o Name of Sub Committee will be changed from “Branding and Marketing” to

“Marketing”. o All Sub Committees should have no more than five (5) members. o The draft agreement was attached for review and the following changes will be made:

Change the name to “Marketing Sub-Committee” throughout.

#2 – Statement of Purpose – Change “strategic direction for marketing Heart of Our City….” to “strategic direction for marketing Downtown Lethbridge and promote Heart of Our City….”.

#3 - Composition of the Committee – Change wording to “The Marketing Sub-Committee shall be comprised of no more than five (5) members of the Heart of Our City.”

o H. McIntosh-Rivera moved to approve the Marketing Sub Committee Terms of Reference, subject to the above changes.

CARRIED

3rd Avenue Reconstruction Messaging: o Due to the recent changes in the economy, there is uncertainty whether this program

will get off the ground. o If this project were to go forward the HOC would play an important role is selling the

positive aspects of this project to the Community. Business interaction addressing construction.

Capital Improvement Plan Messaging/Marketing: o Messaging needs to be developed around the projects that HOC feels they would like to

support going forward into the next CIP. o Submissions will begin in 2016 and Council voting will take place in 2017.

HOCHIP Update:

A program alternative has been developed that will provide more flexibility for City Council to repurpose existing space in downtown Lethbridge if there is not sufficient interest in new construction.

Policy will continue to be refined and then reviewed by Senior Management Team (SMT) prior to going to Council for final review.

Administration will be making a presentation to City Council on February 9th to talk about the downtown from an overall strategic perspective.

o Does the City Council still subscribe to the Downtown Redevelopment Plan (DARP) and HOC Master Plan?

Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Policy (TRIP) Update:

Proposed policy was attached for Committee’s review.

Policy draft is based on existing programs that have been successful in other municipalities and was given a high level of scrutiny from the taxation and assessment department.

Infrastructure and Parking:

Strategic Recommendations – The following items will be discussed throughout the coming year:

o Parkade, Performing Arts Theatre and Gateways: Strategic standpoint and CIP messaging.

o Think-Tank Meeting On Safety: This will take place within the next six (6) weeks; an invitation should be sent to

the entire Committee. o Gateways Planning:

A new proposal has come in on budget and there is still the opportunity to partner this project with public art.

o Public Lavatories:

Consider combining resources with other entities. Identify partners.

Regulatory Change:

The Sub Committee will discuss the following throughout the coming year: o Research on Downtown Development Corporation or similar entity. o DT1 and DT2 discussion at January 27th Sub Committee meeting; G. Stevenson and R.

Kilgour will be presenting. o Streets Bylaw:

Traffic Department was unable to complete the updated Street Bylaw in 2014 and will continue with the review into 2015.

Sub Committee comments have been passed along to the Traffic Department.

Common Initiatives:

Education Around Design of New Building (i.e. Improved Architectural Standards): o Engaging other entities in the downtown; how do you sell the idea around design?

Stakeholder Consultations: o Re-engagement:

How do we ensure or test whether the public is still tuned-in to HOC? Hold sessions with stakeholder groups to discuss past and future.

Billboards:

Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) was asked to review digital billboards.

At the Public Hearing items that were discussed include location, illumination (specifically at night) and motion.

Going forward, City Council wants to make sure that billboards are located in the appropriate place, and that they are being operated in a responsible fashion.

Intent is to grandfather in existing billboards. WHAT’S HAPPENING: Entity Reports: B. Crowson:

January 27th, Lethbridge Public Library – Everything you every wanted to know about Fort Whoop-Up.

H. McIntosh-Rivera:

EDL is wrapping up on 2014’s reporting.

J. Pogorzelski:

January 30th, Taste of Hungry. G. Kuhl (Planning Initiatives Manager):

HOC Highlights for 2014 attached for Committee’s review; any comments or edits can be submitted to G. Kuhl via e-mail.

2014 year end development and building permit statistics attached for informational purposes.

K. Connolly:

The play “Leading Ladies” will be performing at the Yates from February 11-14th.

G. Duff:

Chamber’s new Sub Committees are all meeting this month for the first time.

ACTION:

ADMIN:

Remove “Bright Lights incl.” from the HOC Activity Grant line.

Revise all agreements as per above.

NEXT MEETING: The next regular meeting, will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2015 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

Heart of Our City Incentives Sub-committee

Summary of Discussion – January 26, 2015

Following is the breakdown of committee discussion:

1. Changes to Terms of Reference: to include BRZ member and not Chamber of Commerce.

Although Chamber of Commerce could be either one of the 2 other participants.

2. New Housing program: discussed the going forward initiatives of who would qualify; either

brand new build (prerogative of the Housing Plan) or 2nd option if not enough applications are

received, City Council should reconsider renovations to existing buildings to convert into

housing.

Sub Committee are split on the options; as it would take away from the initial prerogative of the

New Housing Plan; a remarkable, transparent measured success in a brand new build which will

be a positive impact to the whole Downtown Lethbridge area. If there were for example,

scattered 4-5 new conversions in various buildings, it will be not distinct and the prerogative of

the New Housing Plan's will not be easily realized. Goodwill and public understanding is not

easily obtained or gained.

2A. Possibility of naming district of new downtown housing area.

2B. Messaging program of New Housing Program: council needs to be informed with the

reporting

i.e. Number of applicants, and tracking of the interested developers or private building owners

2. Acitivity Grant: Deadline Feb 6th.

As of Jan 26, no applications have been submitted.

A potential applicant for a Night Food Market with the Lethbridge College as sponsor and

partner with Umami Shop's non- profit organization umbrella.

3. Marketing and Branding: Discussion took part with the BRZ pay for fee service with Summer

Ambassadors. The Committee felt that more direction, and expectations ought to be laid out for

future on going services with the Ambassadors.

27 Jan HOC Regulatory Subcommittee Meeting Attendance: Jane, George, Belinda Guests: Ross, Gepke Ross Kilgour provided an overview of the Land Use Bylaw, explaining Euclidean vs Form Based Code and how they hope to use these two in the downtown. The two are not mutually exclusive. A concern going ahead may be how will developers and economics play a part in this? The Land Use Bylaw with form based code has aspirations written into it as to what we want the downtown to look like. Will mostly apply to new developments; retrofits are a little more difficult. The old Land Use Bylaw only had what was or wasn't permitted. This gives guidelines for what we would like to see in order to create the downtown we want. They are still working on this; they are investigating this but if there are administrative issues they might change direction. Jaywalking streets bylaw still being discussed (not finished); George will take some of the material that Belinda compiled into a reference pkg for the sub-committee and take it to the committee discussing the bylaw. Some things discussed were mid street crossings; that this might entail losing some parking; how to present this to the public. The positive side is that it will increase vibrancy and walkability. Allow people to park across the street and still easily access the stores they want. Have to have a way to incorporate everyone's concerns (safety, dealing with people who cross while intoxicated and/or disrupt traffic). It's about making the roads more of a shared space and being sure everyone is aware of and watching out for everyone else. Food truck questionnaire we did the questionnaire as a group and George submitted Future Use of Festival Square Subcommittee provided some feedback. Thanks Sarah for putting that together. It just needs a front page to show where the square is why it's useful, pictures, etc, event guide

Approved 2015-2018 HOCC Budget

2015 2016 2017 2018CLEAN & SAFEContracted Services

Clean Sweep Program 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 Summer Ambassador Program 24,000 24,000 24,000 24,000 Winter Ambassador Program 12,000 12,000 12,000 12,000 Galt Gardens Security (Contract /Community Services) 42,000 42,000 42,000 42,000 Maintenance & Operating (City Departments) 1,000 1,500 1,500 1,500 Subtotal 154,000 154,500 154,500 154,500

WELCOMING PUBLIC SPACES:Galt Garden Master Plan (New Initiative) 50,000 - - - Round Street Gateway Plan 205,417 - - - Historic Plaques 7,500 7,500 7,500 7,500 Subtotal 262,917 7,500 7,500 7,500

ATTRACTIVE ENVIRONMENT AESTHETICSMain Street Program 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 Business Improvement Loan Program (Community Future) 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 Subtotal 85,000 85,000 85,000 85,000

PROGRAMMING & PROMOTIONHOC Activity Grant 95,000 95,000 120,000 120,000 First Friday 15,000 10,000 5,000 - Subtotal 110,000 105,000 125,000 120,000

VIBRANT USESHousing Incentive Program (New Initiative) 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 Subtotal 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000

Administration 133,030 133,030 133,030 133,030

Carry Forward from 2014Total 1,144,947 885,030 905,030 900,030

Approved Funding Allocation 940,000 890,000 915,000 915,000 Plus Previously Approved $ for Gateway 205,417 - - -

Total 1,145,417 890,000 915,000 915,000

Potential Surplus 470 4,970 9,970 14,970

  

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CITY OF LETHBRIDGE

FIRST FRIDAY INITIATIVE SERVICE AGREEMENT

********************************************

THIS AGREEMENT MADE THIS ________DAY OF ___________A.D. 2015

BETWEEN:

THE CITY OF LETHBRIDGE, a Municipal Corporation, in the Province of Alberta

(hereinafter called "the City") 

OF THE FIRST PART

-and-

THE DOWNTOWN LETHBRIDGE BUSINESS REVITALIZATION ZONE

(hereinafter called "the DLBRZ")

OF THE SECOND PART

WHEREAS the City recognizes the importance of the Downtown as a Special Place;

AND WHEREAS the City further recognizes the unique role and wherewithal of the DLBRZ in the Downtown revitalization campaign;

NOW THEREFORE, THE PARTIES HERETO COVENANT AND AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1. This service agreement pertains to the First Friday Initiative and shall remain in effect for 3 years commencing January 1st, 2015 and terminating December 31st, 2017, during which period the DLBRZ will provide services consistent with this Service Agreement.

 

2  

2. This service agreement shall supersede any and all existing fee-for-service agreements between the City and the DLBRZ pertaining to the First Friday Initiative.

3. The City will provide funding support as follows:

a. $15,000, from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2015

b. $10,000, from January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2016

c. $ 5,000, from January 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2017

4. The City will advance funds on an annual basis upon receipt of a duly authorized invoice from the DLBRZ.

5. Notwithstanding anything contained to the contrary, the City will not be responsible for any resulting DLBRZ budget deficits during the term of this Service Agreement.

6. The DLBRZ shall arrange an annual meeting with representatives of the Heart of Our City Committee for strategic input into the First Friday Initiative prior to commencement of the program.

7. Within the scope of the DLBRZ Business Plan and this Service Agreement, the DLBRZ shall promote and administer the First Friday Initiative and shall provide semi-annual reports to the Heart of Our City Committee.

8. The DLBRZ shall ensure that there is acknowledgement of Heart of Our City support for First Friday programs and projects.

9. The DLBRZ shall keep proper accounting records with respect to income and expenditures and submit, to the City, an audited financial statement within ninety (90) calendar days of the end of the Service Agreement.

12. The DLBRZ may provide for membership on its Board of Directors for a representative of the Heart of Our City Committee to ensure alignment of programs, within the scope of this Fee-for-Service Agreement, with the Heart of Our City Master Plan and the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan.

13. Within the scope of this service agreement, the City shall:

a. advise the DLBRZ of any matters which materially affect this Fee-for-Service Agreement;

b. provide staff consultation as required in order to assist the DLBRZ to achieve the objectives of this Fee-for-Service Agreement;

14. The DLBRZ has the right to terminate this Agreement upon giving sixty (60) days’ notice in writing to the City.

15. The City shall have the right to terminate this Service Agreement under any of the following circumstances, by giving sixty (60) days’ notice in writing to the DLBRZ:

a. in the event the DLBRZ fails to perform the duties and obligations which it has undertaken in this Service Agreement; or

b. in the event the DLBRZ is dissolved or becomes bankrupt.

 

3  

16. In the event of either party terminating this Service Agreement, the disposition of funding commitments will be undertaken in a fair and equitable manner.

17. The DLBRZ shall hold harmless and keep indemnified the City from all claims, charges, demands, actions, causes of action and alike arising directly, indirectly or incidentally from their operations.

18. The DLBRZ shall take out and keep in force, during the term of this Service Agreement, a City of Lethbridge Business License.

19. The Parties hereto agree that this Service Agreement may not be assigned without the consent in writing of the other Party, which consent may not be arbitrarily withheld.

20. All notices required by this Service Agreement to be given by either Party shall be deemed to be properly given and received if made in writing to the other party by registered mail or personal service addressed as follows:

City of Lethbridge 910-4th Avenue South, LETHBRIDGE, AB T1J 0P6 Attention: George Kuhl

Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone, 309-6th Street South, LETHBRIDGE, AB T1J 2C7 Attention: Executive Director

or to any address which either Party may indicate to the other in writing.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties hereto have caused their corporate seals to be affixed duly attested by the signatures of their proper officers in that behalf.

THE CITY OF LETHBRIDGE ________________________________ MAYOR

________________________________

CITY CLERK (Seal)

DOWNTOWN LETHBRIDGE BUSINESS REVITALIZATION ZONE ________________________________ PRESIDENT ________________________________ CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

February 11, 2015

Heart of Our City Housing Incentive Program

Whereas the Heart of Our City Master Plan recognizes the importance of having a critical population

mass to help sustain the viability of Downtown Lethbridge; and

Whereas Lethbridge City Council has identified the enhancement of vibrancy and liveability of

Downtown as a Strategic Priority; and

Whereas the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan / Municipal Development Plan encourages an

increase in residential development in the Downtown; and

Whereas the Heart of Our City Committee has devised a housing incentive program to facilitate the

development of residential dwelling units in the Downtown;

Now therefore be it resolved:

that the Heart of Our City Housing Incentive Program be approved in accordance with the approved

City of Lethbridge Operating Budget.

Moved by: ________________________________________________________________

Number: Page:1

Heart of Our City Housing Incentive Policy

February, 2015

______________________________________________________________________

1. PURPOSE:

The Heart of Our City Housing Incentive Program (HOCHIP) is intended to create attractive, self-contained dwelling units in Downtown Lethbridge.

2. PERSONS AFFECTED:

Those affected by the Heart of Our City Incentive Policy include: City Council, Downtown property owners & investors, Heart of Our City Committee, and City Administration.

3. POLICY STATEMENT:

It is the policy of the City of Lethbridge to financially assist qualified downtown property owners and investors to construct self-contained dwelling units in the Downtown Core according to the provisions of the Heart of Our City Housing Incentive Program policy.

4. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: In order to qualify for funding, a project shall be meet the following criteria:

1. Qualified projects shall be located within the Downtown Core area as defined in

Schedule 1.

2. Projects shall consist of the construction of new „self-contained‟ dwelling units, as defined herein.

3. Dwelling units may be created in new buildings or existing buildings provided that the incentive is for additional new dwelling units only.

4. Renovations to dwelling units that were in existence prior to adoption of this policy are ineligible.

5. Dwelling units must be townhouse or apartment units with a minimum area of 600 ft² (55.7m²) and an average area of 800 ft² (74.3 m²) within the project for which the application has been submitted.

6. Dwelling units may be part of a mixed-use building however the Heart of Our City Housing Incentive is only applicable to the creation of residential dwelling units.

7. In accordance with the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan and the Land Use Bylaw, projects will require land use approval through a development permit.

Number: Page:2

8. Prior to construction, projects must receive applicable building, electrical and mechanical permits.

9. Awarding of funding:

a. Funding will be awarded to eligible projects in accordance with available resources.

b. Project funding is limited to $30,000 per new qualified dwelling unit. c. Should there be inadequate funding to meet demand, applications will be held in

a queue and processed in chronological order of their submission date as or if funding becomes available.

d. Applications may be rejected if they do not adhere to established funding criteria. e. Funding will not be granted for projects which have commenced prior to being

approved for Heart of Our City Housing Incentive Program funding.

10. Upon completion, construction must meet all applicable building safety codes, development requirements and comply with Land Use Bylaw requirements.

11. Projects where rent or sale value is subsidized by any government entity, a non-profit organization or a cooperative are ineligible for this program.

12. Prior to the release of City funding, new dwelling units must be completed and in receipt of a City of Lethbridge Occupancy permit and must not be in arrears in taxes, municipal utilities or any other municipal charge.

13. If a Development Permit lapses1, project eligibility for the Heart of Our City Housing Incentive Program will cease and will lose its place in the projects queue. A proponent may re-apply for the program but would have to re-qualify and re-queue.

5. ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

City Council:

1. Approve creation of HOCHIP fund equaling $1,600,000;

2. Approve grant allocation criteria;

3. Monitor grant allocations annually; and

4. Evaluate and review grant program outcomes in the third year of each four year budget cycle or sooner if necessary.

Grant Administrator:

1. Promote the Heart of Our City Housing Incentive Plan program and assist prospective applicants to apply for the grant;

2. Coordinate the grant administration, application and reporting processes;

3. Coordinate the review process;

4. Enforce the terms and conditions of the grant agreements and outcome reporting; and

1 Section 5.10.2 of Land Use Bylaw #5700 indicates that: “Development shall commence within

one (1) year of the date of validity on the development permit unless: another period of time is specified on the development permit or the period of time during which development shall commence is subsequently extended by the Development Authority or Subdivision and Development Appeal Board or the development permit has been suspended or cancelled.”

Number: Page:3

5. Report program outcomes annually.

6. APPLICATION PROCESS

To facilitate applying for funding from the Heart of Our City Housing Incentive Program (HOCHIP), the following procedures must be followed (refer also to Schedule 2 - Process Map):

1. Owners of eligible properties and/or their agents are required to meet with the Grant Administrator and other officials of the Planning and Development Department for an assessment of project eligibility for HOCHIP funding.

2. Upon satisfying the Grant Administrator that a project is eligible for HOCHIP funding, owners of eligible properties and/or their agents may submit the appropriate application form for processing and approval.

3. The Grant Administrator and other officials of the Planning and Development Department will review each grant application to verify project details and completeness of application which will include a site plan; floor plans; facade details etc.

4. When a grant application has been determined by the Grant Administrator to be complete, the application will retain its position in the application queue until the development permit and constructions permits have been issued.

5. The applicant must submit a development permit application to the Planning & Development Department which will examine and evaluate the application according to the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan Bylaw #5807 and Land Use Bylaw #5700. A development permit will then be issued, with or without conditions.

6. The applicant must submit detailed building plans to the Planning and Development Department to obtain permits for construction approval. The submission of construction plans is allowed to be concurrent with the submission of a development approval application. Permits for construction, however, will not be approved until after a development permit has been approved.

7. The Planning & Development Department and Grant Administrator will conduct a final inspection of the construction project upon request of the owner. If and when all conditions of both development and construction permits have been met and the property is determined to not be in arrears in taxes, municipal utilities or any other municipal charge, an Occupancy Permit will be issued.

8. The Grant Administrator will arrange to have Heart of Our City Housing Incentive Program funds released to the owners of approved projects when the Occupancy Permit has been issued.

7. DEFINITIONS:

1. Downtown Core: means the area of the City of Lethbridge bounded by the following: Stafford Drive on the east; 6th Avenue South on the south; the Crowsnest Trail on the north; the Oldman River Valley top-of-bank setback line on the west (refer to Schedule 1).

2. Eligible properties: means those parcels of land within the Downtown Core as shown on Schedule 1.

3. Grant Administrator: means the City of Lethbridge employee who is directly accountable for the administration of the grant program.

Number: Page:4

4. Self-contained Dwelling Unit: means one or more rooms operated or intended to be operated as a residence for a household, containing cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities only for that unit.

8. REFERENCES:

1. Heart of Our City Master Plan

2. Integrated Community Sustainability Plan/ Municipal Development Plan Bylaw# 5650

3. Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan Bylaw #5807

4. Land use Bylaw #5700

5. Lethbridge City Council Strategic Plan 2014-2017

February 11, 2015

Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Policy

Whereas the Heart of Our City Master Plan recognizes the importance of having new commercial, office,

retail and mixed-use buildings in Downtown Lethbridge to help sustain its viability and vibrancy; and

Whereas the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan / Municipal Development Plan encourages

business friendliness; and

Whereas Lethbridge City Council wishes to promote projects involving significant and ongoing

enhancements to the assessment base generated in the downtown core; and

Whereas Lethbridge City Council has identified, as a Strategic Priority, its desire to have a well-designed

City through quality urban design; and

Whereas the Municipal Government Act authorizes municipalities to cancel municipal taxes if it

considers it equitable to do so; and

Whereas the Heart of Our City Committee has devised a targeted municipal tax cancellation policy to

facilitate the development of buildings with a minimum construction value of $10 million in the

Downtown;

Now therefore be it resolved:

that the Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Policy be recommended to City Council for approval.

Moved by: ________________________________________________________________

Number: Page:

Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Policy (TRIP)

February, 2015

______________________________________________________________________

1. PURPOSE: The Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Policy (TRIP) is a municipal tax cancellation policy intended to promote large scale projects involving the construction of new commercial, office, retail and mixed-use1 buildings that lead to a significant and ongoing enhancement to the assessment base generated in the downtown core. Such projects must involve construction with a minimum value of $10 million. The TRIP is in alignment with: City Council’s Strategic Plan; the Integrated Community Sustainability/Municipal Development Plan; the Heart of Our City master Plan and the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan; all of which support the goals of making Downtown more liveable, sustainable, exciting, and vibrant.

2. PERSONS AFFECTED:

Those affected by the Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Policy include: City Council, Downtown property owners & investors, Heart of Our City Committee, City Administration and Lethbridge tax payers.

3. POLICY STATEMENT:

In accordance with Section 347 of the Municipal Government Act, it is the policy of the City of Lethbridge to establish a 5-year municipal tax cancellation policy to incentivize the construction of major commercial/office/retail and mixed-use projects that lead to significant and ongoing enhancement of the assessment base generated in the downtown core, in accordance with the provisions of this policy.

The total municipal tax cancellation value for any single project receiving a benefit from this policy will be a maximum of $2 million based on the difference between the municipal tax levy in the year prior to the commencement of the project and the current year’s municipal tax levy at the completion of the project.

4. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

In order to qualify for funding under this policy, a project shall be subject to the following criteria:

1. Qualified projects shall be located within the Downtown Core area as defined in Schedule 1.

1 Mixed-use means: development that blends or functionally integrates a combination of residential, commercial, cultural,

institutional land uses within a building or complex of buildings.

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2. Projects shall consist of new building construction only, at or exceeding $10 million in construction value.

3. Projects are required to provide a minimum floor area ratio2 (FAR) of 3.0,

4. Projects shall meet or exceed the requirements of the Heart of Our City Master Plan and the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP).

5. New construction must meet all applicable building safety codes, development requirements and comply with Land Use Bylaw requirements upon completion.

6. Project(s) will require land use approval through a development permit and construction approvals through the appropriate building, electrical and mechanical permits.

7. Eligibility for this policy is based on new construction only and is not intended for renovating any pre-existing buildings.

a. Eligible properties are entitled to a 100% municipal property tax cancellation less the municipal tax levy prior to the year of construction for an approved, eligible project for a period not to exceed 5 years.

b. The maximum municipal tax cancellation benefit for each approved building construction project shall be $2,000,000 over the 5-year period.

c. Only the registered owner(s) of the property, at the time of commencement of the building construction project approval, is/are eligible for the municipal tax cancellation.

8. To be eligible, a property must not be in arrears in taxes, municipal utilities or any other municipal charge.

a. This policy applies only to the municipal portion of the tax levy and all requisitions shall be payable by the person or entity liable for the property tax.

9. Projects that qualify under this program are ineligible for any other City of Lethbridge downtown incentive program.

5. ASSESSMENT AND TAXATION PROVISIONS

1. The municipal tax cancellation for an eligible property will commence on the first full tax year the building has been approved for occupancy and shall cease at the end of the 5th full tax year.

2. A supplementary assessment and municipal tax levied prior to the first full tax year is eligible for the municipal tax cancellation.

3. The eligible tax cancellation amount will be the difference between the municipal tax levy in the year prior to the commencement of the building construction and the current year municipal tax levy.

4. On achieving the maximum tax cancellation benefit of $2,000,000, the municipal tax cancellation shall cease for such properties.

2 Floor Area Ratio means the numerical value of the gross floor area of a building or buildings, divided by the total area of

the parcel or site on which the building or buildings are situated. Floor Area, Gross means the combined area of the floor surface of a building, measured to the outside of exterior walls

or supporting posts, or to the glass line or the centre line of common party walls. This term includes all floors, mezzanines, covered decks and terraces, access areas, and all basements except storage, mechanical and dwelling areas in basements.

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5. If the subject property is subdivided by a registered plan, the project remains eligible for municipal tax cancellation as long as the registered owner(s) at the time of commencement of the building construction do not change. Upon transfer of ownership, the municipal tax cancellation shall cease.

6. In the event of a phased construction project, the municipal tax cancellation shall commence when the initial phase is approved for occupancy only if that phase has a minimum construction value of 10 million. If the $10 million construction value is not reached in the initial phase, the municipal tax calculation will commence after the phase when the $10 million minimum is reached and is approved for occupancy.

7. Once a property has received City Council approval for a municipal tax cancellation, the taxpayer shall be deemed to have applied for a cancellation in each subsequent eligible year, to a maximum of 5 years.

8. The City may stop the cancellation of municipal taxes that have been deemed eligible under this policy:

a. on the written request of the Property Owner; or

b. at any time, if the Property Owner breaches or does not fully satisfy any of the obligations and conditions in this policy, as determined by the City acting reasonably, effective immediately upon delivery of a notice to the Property Owner of the intention to stop the cancellation of municipal taxes.

c. In the event that the Property Owner does not meet the obligations of this policy, the Property Owner will pay to the City municipal property taxes for any period during which the obligations were not in fact met, calculated pro rata based on the annual amount of municipal taxes that would have been payable but for the Tax Cancellation; and

d. Any municipal property taxes owning and not paid by December 31st of

the taxation year, become taxes in arrears and subject to payment

guidelines in accordance with the MGA and City Bylaws.

6. ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

City Council:

1. Approve the tax cancellation policy for a period of 5 years.

2. Under Section 347 of the Municipal Government Act, cancel the municipal tax annually in accordance with this policy; and

3. City Council will review the cancellation policy annually.

Heart of Our City Committee:

1. Promote the TRIP policy.

2. Provide advice and assistance to potential policy applicants.

3. Update City Council on policy outcomes.

Assessment and Taxation Department:

1. The Assessment and Taxation Department will coordinate policy administration, application and reporting processes.

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2. The City Assessor will calculate the additional assessment and municipal property taxes resulting from the completion of eligible redevelopment projects.

3. The taxpayer must submit an application to the Assessment and Taxation

Department no later than March 31 of the year in which the municipal tax cancellation is requested.

4. The Assessment & Taxation will endeavor to forward an application form

to the taxpayer for each property that may qualify for a municipal tax cancellation under this policy.

5. Prior to passage of the annual property tax bylaw, the Assessment and

Taxation Department will advise City Council of the number of applications and the estimated amount of municipal tax cancellations requested for that year.

6. After the passage of the annual property tax bylaw, the Assessment and

Taxation Department will submit to City Council:

a. a list of properties qualifying for municipal tax cancellations for which new applications have been received;

b. a list of properties for which applications for municipal tax

cancellations have been received but which do not qualify for municipal tax cancellations under this policy; and

c. a list of properties for which municipal tax cancellations have

previously been approved and which remain eligible for tax concessions under the phasing out provisions of this policy.

7. A taxpayer, subject to a supplementary tax assessment, may submit an

application to the Assessment and Taxation Department for a municipal tax cancellation in the year of the supplemental tax assessment and if such application is approved the cancellation shall be deemed to be year one of the five-year period.

8. Upon receipt of the foregoing list, City Council may, if it considers it

equitable to do so, pass a resolution approving any or all of the properties for municipal tax cancellations for that taxation year. Taxpayers should note that this policy does not commit City Council to grant municipal tax cancellations and that City Council has absolute discretion to approve or refuse a municipal tax cancellation regardless of whether a property qualifies or has previously been approved for a cancellation under this policy.

9. A separate budget item will be established in each year’s budget to show the municipal tax cancellations approved under this policy.

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7. EXCLUSIONS

This policy will not apply to property that is owned by the Crown in right of Alberta or Canada or any other body that is exempt from taxation.

8. DEFINITIONS:

a. Downtown Core: means the area of the City of Lethbridge bounded by the following: Stafford Drive on the east; 6th Avenue South on the south; the Crowsnest Trail on the north; the Oldman River Valley top-of-bank setback line on the west.

b. Eligible properties: means those parcels of land within the Downtown that adhere to the specific limitations of the Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Policy.