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Eckville welcomes builders

Eckville is rolling out the welcome carpet for potential home builders.After failing to sell a single lot in its newest subdivision last year, town council has decided to get more aggressive, said chief administrator officer Jack Ramsden.Sixteen of 42 lots in McDonald Heights have sold to date.

Eckville is rolling out the welcome carpet for potential home builders.

After failing to sell a single lot in its newest subdivision last year, town council has decided to get more aggressive, said chief administrator officer Jack Ramsden.

Sixteen of 42 lots in McDonald Heights have sold to date.

To sweeten the deal for potential builders, council has dropped a caveat that dictates purchased lots must be built on within a year or buyers face a $10,000 penalty. A discount of five per cent is also being offered on lots.

As an added incentive, the town is allowing buyers to make an offer to purchase with a 15 per cent non-refundable down payment. Buyers can pay the balance off within a year, interest-free.

While the building caveats are standard in many communities, it is hoped that easing rules will attract more investment.

“I think it’s just a sign to show (the town) is serious and open for business,” said Ramsden.

There is some calculated risk involved — the town doesn’t want to sell lots and have them sit empty.

“But at the price of lots today, I don’t think they’re going to,” he said.

In his previous position in Three Hills, the building commitment had been dropped years ago to spur growth.

The town-owned lots range in price from $66,600 to $87,800.

“We’re trying to make this a positive experience here. We’ve got a nice community.

“I just want to make this as easy as possible to work in the town.”

Ramsden said the town is also considering other incentives, which council will look at later this month.

pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com