The Town of Bonnyville has adopted a series of incentive programs to encourage growth, investment, and revitalization in the community.
The Build Bonnyville Housing Incentive Grant provides grants to support the construction of new single-family dwellings, helping to increase local housing options.
The Non-Residential Tax Incentive supports new builds and renovation on non-residential properties by offering municipal property tax exemptions for eligible projects. The Residential Tax Incentive supports new builds and major renovations by providing multi-year municipal property tax exemptions to homeowners and developers.
The Multi-Family Housing Incentive supports property owners in building new multi-unit housing. It offers financial incentives for developments that create two or more new residential dwellings.
The Demolition Grant encourages property owners to demolish derelict buildings by offsetting some demolition and disposal costs. It’s designed to support community revitalization, infill, and reduce risks from unsafe and nuisance properties.
Together, these incentive programs are designed to strengthen Bonnyville’s economy, expand housing availability, and create opportunities for both residents and businesses.
For more information on the Incentives, please call the Town of Bonnyville Administration Office at 780-826-3496.
Build Bonnyville - Housing Incentive Grants
Helping You Build a Home in Bonnyville
The Town of Bonnyville has created a grant program to encourage new single-family homes on vacant residential lots. This supports growth, adds more housing, and strengthens our community.
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify if you:
- Own a vacant lot zoned R1, R2, R2A, or R2B.
- Have no unpaid taxes, debts, or legal issues with the Town.
- Plan to build a new single-family home.
- Have all the necessary permits and approvals.
- Title of property must be in applicant’s name.
How Much is the Grant Fund?
- The Build Bonnyville – Housing Incentive Grant has a total budget of $500,000, which is available until December 31, 2025 (first come, first served).
- The amount available to applicants is $25,000 per build, payment of the grant depends on whether you’re building to live in the home or building to sell:
For Homeowners (building to live in the home):
- $5,000 after foundation is complete.
- $7,500 after framing is complete.
- $12,500 after occupancy permit is issued.
Total = $25,000
For Developers (building to sell the home):
- $25,000 after the foundation is complete.
Application Process
- Fill out the official application form.
- Pay the $100 application fee.
- Provide project drawings, property details, and permits.
- Applications are reviewed by the General Manager of Planning and Community Services within 60 days.
When You Get Paid
- Grant payments are made in stages (see above).
- Proof of construction progress must be confirmed by a Safety Codes Inspector.
Multiunit Housing Incentive Grant Program
Encouraging New Housing Development in Bonnyville
The Town of Bonnyville has created a grant program to support the construction of new multiunit housing (two or more units) on vacant residential lots zoned R3 or R4. The goal is to grow the housing supply, encourage development on unused land, and support community growth.
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify if you:
- Own a vacant lot zoned R3 or R4 in Bonnyville.
- Have no outstanding taxes, debts, or legal issues with the Town.
- Apply for new construction that creates at least 2 new dwelling units.
- Have the proper development and building permits.
- Complete your project within 24 months of applying as per development permit.
How Much is the Grant?
- $10,000 per new housing unit.
- Example: a 4-unit development could receive $40,000.
- Total program funding available: $500,000 (first come, first served).
- Program runs until December 31, 2025, or until funds run out.
How to Apply
- Fill out the official application form (Appendix A).
- Pay the $100 application fee.
- Include project drawings, property details, permits, and proof of ownership.
- Applications are reviewed by the Town’s General Manager of Planning and Community Services.
When You Get Paid
- Grant money is released after the project is complete and approved for occupancy.
- You must submit proof that all work is finished, contractors are paid, and units are ready to live in.
- Project must be closed as code compliant for all Safety Code Permits.
Non-Residential Tax Incentive
The Town of Bonnyville created this program to encourage new commercial or industrial development and major renovations or expansions by offering temporary property tax breaks.
Who Can Apply?
- Owners of non-residential properties (commercial, industrial, or machinery & equipment).
- Projects must increase the property’s assessed improvement value by at least $25,000.
- Properties must:
- Be within the Town limits.
- Have no unpaid taxes, fees, or utility bills.
- Be fully compliant with permits, bylaws, and safety codes.
- Not be involved in lawsuits or disputes with the Town.
- Be registered in Applicant’s name.
- Linear properties (like pipelines and power lines) are not eligible.
Incentive Details
If approved, you get a 5-year tax exemption on the assessed value under the improvements on your municipal property taxes caused by your new build or renovation:
- Years 1–3 → 100% exemption
- Year 4 → 75% exemption
- Year 5 → 50% exemption
(Only the municipal portion is exempt – education and other requisitioned taxes still apply.)
Program Dates
- Runs from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2032.
- Projects approved before the deadline still get the full 5 years, even if they finish in 2032.
- Each property can qualify more than once if separate eligible projects are done.
How to Apply
- Fill out the application form.
- Pay the $100 application fee.
- Submit by October 1st of the year before you want the exemption to start.
- Provide required documents (permits, tax assessments, land titles, etc.).
- If approved, you must sign a Tax Incentive Agreement with the Town.
Payments
- You must pay your taxes in full each year.
- The Town then refunds the eligible portion within 30 working days.
- If taxes aren’t paid by December 31, you lose the exemption that year and for all future years.
Cancellation
Your tax break can be cancelled if:
- You don’t meet the eligibility rules anymore.
- You misrepresent information, go bankrupt, or fall into foreclosure.
- You break the terms of the agreement.
Residential Tax Incentive
The Town of Bonnyville is offering a five-year property tax break to encourage new housing builds and major renovations.
Who Qualifies:
- Property owners who build a new home or significantly renovate an existing one.
- The project must increase the property’s value by at least $25,000 (not including land).
- Taxes and Town accounts must be paid in full, with no compliance or permit issues.
- Property must be within Town limits.
How It Works:
- Apply with a $100 fee before October 1 of the year before you want the tax break to start.
- If approved, you’ll sign a Tax Incentive Agreement with the Town.
Tax Savings:
If approved, you get a 5-year tax exemption on the increased assessed value under the improvements on your municipal property taxes caused by your new build or renovation:
- Years 1–3 → 100% exemption
- Year 4 → 75% exemption
- Year 5 → 50% exemption
Program Timeline:
- Runs from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2032.
- Each property can only qualify once in this period, unless a new qualifying improvement is made.
Other Notes:
- If you don’t follow the rules or fall behind on taxes, the incentive can be cancelled.
- Decisions can be appealed to Council (with a $100 appeal fee).
- A change in property ownership won’t cancel the incentive as long as the new owner follows the rules.
Demolition Grant Program
Helping You Clear the Way for New Opportunities
The Town of Bonnyville wants to encourage community growth and revitalization. That’s why we’re offering grants to help property owners cover some of the costs of tearing down unsafe or derelict buildings.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible if:
- You own the property.
- Your property taxes are paid in full.
- The building is considered derelict (in such poor condition it can’t reasonably be repaired).
- The property is within the Town of Bonnyville.
- You have a valid demolition permit.
- You’ve submitted a final inspection report (Permit Service Report) showing the demolition is complete and meets all permit requirements.
How Much Funding is Available?
- $10,000 per residential property.
- $12,000 per non-residential property.
- Each property can only receive one grant.
- A total of $60,000 is available for all applicants.
Important Details
- Applications can only be submitted after you’ve received your demolition permit.
- You must apply within 30 days of the final inspection report.
- Grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis.
- Funds are only released once all permit requirements are confirmed.
- The Town may refuse applications if it’s not in the public’s best interest.
Who Reviews Applications?
- The General Manager of Planning and Community Services reviews and makes decisions on applications.
- Town staff are available to help explain requirements and guide you through the process.