A plan that would see downtown businesses receive reimbursement grants of $5,000 for facade improvement received much discussion at the Dec. 10 council meeting.
The one-year pilot project would see $20,000 from the Housing Capital Account be put toward the program, with the idea of further sprucing up the downtown core.
“Basically, if the boundaries (for funding) were a little bit bigger more people would qualify for this incentive,” said economic development officer Jim Dixon. “I think it's important, the City of Moose Jaw has had variations of this that have been successful, and it would be good for local businesses to take advantage and get some support in order to be able to bring their buildings and fronts up to speed.”
Coun. Swanson took exception to the project, though, saying Moose Jaw's overall financial picture is poor enough that starting new programs should be the furthest thing from council's mind.
“Given the pressing infrastructure issues we have, a new program, even if it's just the first lick of the lollipop, only $20,000... I can assure you giving away money will always be successful,” he said. “The question I have is 'are we in a position to start a new program of any kind' and 'how does it relate to the priorities we have that are so seriously underfunded, whether it's $20,000 or $200,000'.
“I've said before, Moose Jaw should be in crisis mode with respect to the dangers and priorities facing us as a community. To start offering new programs, however well-intentioned, when we have serious, serious funding requirements we're not meeting, (isn't a good idea).”
Coun. Dawn Luhning agreed with Swanson, saying the project should have come to council as part of budget discussions, and that funds from accounts such as the Housing Capital Account should be looked into.
“Even though it is carried forward money (from the 2018 budget), I do think there is some merit about these little pots of money, which to be fair, are taxation that we've collected from the citizens,” Luhning said. “We should have a collective discussion around what the priority is for the community as a whole rather than one-offing these little projects here and there.”
Coun. Froese pointed out that the money is currently unused and will remain so without council intervention, and as a result she didn't see the project carrying any risk.
“This is just an initiative to approve or adjust their value of their properties,” she said. “It's money that's just sitting there and we talk about improving the city, this money would help local businesses bring that back up to the forefront... We have this Downtown Local Area plan that is sitting dusty on the shelf instead of us being brave enough and bold enough to take part in initiatives that are in this plan.”
Coun. Heather Eby pointed out that given the current economic climate, anything that can help Moose Jaw's downtown should be approved.
“I think a pilot project like this can give downtown businesses some encouragement when there isn't much encouragement for those folks,” Eby said. “Not to diminish the $20,000 but there are some businesses that are finding it tough to stay above water and forge ahead in the times we're experiencing right now and I think if anyone would be so brave as to keep on going that we would be well served to help them out.”
The plan passed with a 4-3 vote, with Swanson, Luhning and Coun. Scott McMann opposed.
