Skyline loft subsidy denied

A local developer’s request for a reduction of his offsite levy fees because of environmentally friendly features in his condo development has been denied.

Soc Korogonas, owner of Skyline Lofts requested a reduction in fees to offset the construction costs of his development, which includes several environmentally-friendly designs. He asked the town for 100 per cent refund of the fees, noting that building in Jasper is difficult due to Parks regulations. He also said the town did not provide enough information about incentives, such as the off-site levy reductions.

“There are costs that come with building in Jasper that made it difficult,” Korogonas said. “Getting a permit from parks was hard to say the least. There wasn’t a lot of information from the town to show how to approach this.”

The town does have a bylaw that states developers can get a break on their offsite levy fees if they achieve some form of environmental certification.

Director of corporate services Verne Balding said the town has had three of these applications, but all three have been turned down. None of the applicants have been able to produce acceptable certification.

The bylaw doesn’t state how much of a refund the town can give.

This is Korogonas’ first construction project, and he said he was unaware of certification required. While he did not apply for any form of certification, he did use the LEED buildgreen checklist. LEED certification applications must be submitted before construction is complete.

“I’m not in a position to apply for LEEDs, but I’m confident we’re at least LEED silver.”

LEED certification publishes their checklist for all developers to use, however a fee must be paid for actual certification. The Leed checklist include energy and water saving feature such as low flow toilets and solar panels.

Korogonas said his building would qualify for R-2000 designation, however the contractor he chose  was not R-2000 certified, which is the key requirement for certification.

Korogonas’ pleas did not fall on deaf ears, as council was concerned developers are unaware of such incentives. Council said there is a chance Parks Canada could inform builders about the town’s bylaw at the building application stage.

Coun. Brenda Zinck said she was on council when the other two applications were denied, and said her mind had not changed. She worried accepting the request would pit ‘neighbours against neighbours’ as a patchwork system would be created.

“I didn’t feel qualified then and I’m not qualified to make a decision based on parts and pieces of a plan,” Coun. Zinck said.

Coun. Zinck also said it is the requirement of the developer to find out

Mayor Richard Ireland encouraged Korogonas to do some more research to see if there are other certificates he can apply for.

“There are other standards that you meet... If you can find certification, we can still recognize you,” Mayor Ireland said.