|
February 14, 2003
New pricing policy
The City of Iqaluit has
adopted a new land pricing policy for non-residential lots.
Leaseholders who have standard
leases have three months to convert to equity leases and receive a discount
of up to 25 per cent.
This phase-in period from
Feb. 10 to May 12, will allow the city to fully implement its 1995 Land Administration
Bylaw, which requires land to be sold at market value.
Until recently the city
estimated the market value of leases by their 1995 assessed value instead of
current market value. At a community consultation last August, residents suggested
a phase-in period, so the prices wouldnt jump dramatically overnight.
Leaseholders of commercial,
industrial and higher density residential leases will receive a 2.5 per cent
discount for each year they have held the lease, up to a maximum of 25 per cent
during the phase-in period. A further 2.5 per cent discount will be added on
if the lease is paid out all at once. That discount will apply indefinitely.
The change in pricing will
allow the city to charge more fairly on leases.
Chrystal Fuller, the citys
director of lands and planning, said the non-residential lots that will see
the greatest jump in cost are the ones in the downtown core. At the four corners,
one of the most attractive development areas, she said, a lot would be valued
at roughly $125,000 under the 1995 assessment. At 2003 market value the same
lot would be appraised with a value of closer to $300,000. As one moves away
from the citys centre, the jumps in cost are less significant.
|