Business View Civil and Municipal | April 2021

103 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL APRIL 2021 WINKLER , MANI TOBA Winkler’s five industrial parks are busier than ever. “We own the land, we develop it, and we sell the lots to new or expanding companies. That’s how we’ve filled the industrial parks,” clarifies Harder. Three years ago, the city introduced a Commercial and Industrial Financial Assistance Program – a tax credit for new or increased general municipal taxes resulting from an addition, renovation, or new build. Businesses are eligible for five years. The city credits 100 percent for year one and the remaining four years are a reduction of 20 percent per year. By year six, the company pays the full tax assessment. In 2020, Winkler rebated $225,000 worth of taxes back to participating businesses. The Support Local Program was another noteworthy business incentive in 2020. Many of Winkler’s small businesses had to temporarily close because of COVID, but “you don’t make any money when you’re closed,” says Harder. Photo Courtesy of Triple E Developments