Quebec mayor lowers tax rates for downtown stores
Store owners in downtown Rimouski, Que., will now pay less in municipal tax than their suburban counterparts.
As part of the city’s new budget, civic leaders say the intent of the new rules is to incentivize densification.
@futureofgood It’s a unique move in hopes of bringing life back this city’s downtown. #downtown #smallbusinessowners #shoplocal #tax ♬ original sound – Future of Good
The move is unusual – most Canadian cities rely on zoning by-law changes or bonusing to encourage density in their city cores.
For example, since January 2024, the Edmonton has eliminated single-family-only zoning entirely, reduced residential zones from 16 to 6, and allowed duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes “as-of-right” in all residential areas.
Meanwhile, for the Calgary Beltline, developers must provide affordable housing units, public art, park improvements, or cash contributions to the city, in exchange for the extra height/density.
These tools are permission-based (what you’re allowed to build) rather than price-based tools (making sprawl more expensive through taxes).
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