St. Catharines city council voted for the tax breaks to spur the downtown development
Two apartment projects for St. Catharines have been given a boost forward with the approval of tax breaks by city council.
It's being done for 10 Pleasant Avenue and 88 James Street, through the city's Community Improvement Plan.
David Falleta is a planner for the Pleasant Avenue site, who spoke highly of the CIP program. "I work on a number of projects across the region. We've done a number of projects in Hamilton, a number of very successful projects, that really would not have happened without that CIP."
However, not everyone is completely on board, in particular with how this is being done.
Resident Ed Smith says while he's not against the development, tax dollars should not be used, adding there's a gold rush of real estate. "And for us to say we need these CIPs in order to attract development to our city, is buying into the [corporate] dialogue that has been out there for so long that we take it as... we almost give up our ability on critical thought."
Mayor Mat Siscoe pointed out the development will bring in up to 35% more revenue.
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