Council has approved changes by City Administration they hope will better support needed residential development. (File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Residential development

City of Melfort hopes streamlining policies and other tools helps to spur residential development

Nov 5, 2025 | 1:46 PM

Melfort City Council has approved changes to an incentive policy and lot pricing.

Director of Community Services Rob Lok sent the report to Council outlining a review done by City Administration.

They reviewed the Development Levy Bylaw, Residential Growth Incentive Policy, and lot prices for Babington Avenue, Orr Drive, and Carson Street.

“The objective was to determine whether these tools are functioning as intended and to recommend adjustments to better support residential development,” the report stated.

Lok told northeastNOW the bylaws and policies were outdated and not working as intended.

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“We are simplifying our development process by removing outdated levies that no longer add value, making it easier for developers / builders and the city to work together,” Lok explained.

The Development Levy Bylaw was repealed, while the Residential Growth Incentive Policy was revised. The report stated the development levy is already included in the negotiated sale price for commercial, industrial, and multi-residential lots, adding “unnecessary administrative complexity and minimum financial benefit.” The bylaw was seen as redundant.

The Residential Growth Incentive Policy was introduced nearly 20 years ago to spur development of infill lots in the city, and the policy had since been expanded to include greenfield development, which required new infrastructure and services. The report stated that the policy had diverged from its original intent. Administration recommended tweaking the policy to refocus on infill lots only.

“Our growth incentives will now focus on revitalizing established neighbourhoods, ensuring that support goes where it will have the greatest impact on community renewal,” Lok said. “These changes will make our policies clearer and easier to understand, benefiting both residents and builders by streamlining requirements and incentives”

The review also tackled lot prices on Orr Drive, Carson Street, and Babington Avenue.

“The prices for the residential lots that the City has for sale on Orr Drive, Carson Street, and Babington Avenue have been reduced by 20 per cent,” Lok said. “This price reduction has been done to encourage new home construction and investment in Melfort.”

Lok said Council’s goal by approving the changes is to support responsible growth, attract new residents, and strengthen confidence in the local housing market, all while keeping the City’s approach financially sound.

His report stated the changes would simplify the city’s approach with a new transparent price and strengthen the ability to attract new residential construction.

“The proposed changes are financially responsible, easy to administer, and will help stimulate residential growth in the short term while supporting long-term community sustainability,” the report’s conclusion read.

Melfort, along with many other communities across Saskatchewan, has had a severe inventory shortage when it comes to homes for sale. According to Realtor.ca, there are currently fewer than a dozen homes for sale in Melfort.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com