Murray says, “the program will encourage citizens, especially in the inner city, to upgrade their homes.” Murray is confident the program will “help instill a renewed sense of pride in our older neighbourhoods.”

Residents may claim a maximum of $10,000 in renovations and are eligible to receive a maximum tax credit of $1500. Tax credits will be provided to eligible residents in the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 as a property tax reduction. A resident who qualifies for a maximum tax credit of $1500 would receive a $500 property tax reduction in each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004.

The Home Renovation Tax Assistance Program is intended for residents who comply with all of the following eligibility requirements: 

• The home must be used solely for residential occupation 
• The home must have been built before January 1, 1974 
• The home and land must have an assessed value not exceeding $90,000 in 2001 
• All renovations must be completed on or before December 31, 2001 

Eligible renovations include, but are not restricted to: renovations to kitchens, bathrooms and unfinished basements; building an addition to a home that will be utilized as a year-round living space; installing, repairing or upgrading a primary heating system; excavation and related landscaping; and installing or repairing exterior sheathing, roofing, shingling, soffits, fascia, eavestroughing, doors or windows.

To apply for the Program, residents must obtain a City of Winnipeg Building Permit before any renovations are commenced. Permits are available at Unit 31-30 Fort Street. For information about obtaining a permit, citizens are asked to contact the Permits Branch at 311.

The 2001 Home Renovation Tax Assistance Program has a limited amount of funds for tax credits and will operate on a “first come, first serve” basis. For information, citizens may call 311 or visit the Planning, Property and Development Department at Unit 31-30 Fort Street.

A maximum of $325,000 has been allocated for the Program in each of 2002, 2003 and 2004. Property owners may apply on a “first come, first serve” basis until the maximum fund amount has been depleted.

The Home Renovation Tax Assistance Program has been successful as an incentive in encouraging homeowners to upgrade their properties throughout the city. Over 4,500 applications have been taken out over the past 7 years of its operation.