The District of Lake Country remains a safe community to reside in.
The RCMP have presented municipal council with the year-end report for 2012.
“It’s all positive. Criminal activity is going down,” said Mayor James Baker.
Among the areas that experienced decreases are robberies, assaults, sexual assaults, motor vehicle thefts and thefts over and under $5,000.
There were no homicides during 2012 and there was an 18 per cent decrease in drug offences.
However, there are still some areas of concern.
There were increases for domestic disputes, break and enters and provincial liquor offences.
“During 2012, the detachment received 3,244 calls for service,” said Sgt. Scott Rempel, the officer in charge.
“This was up over last year which was up 5.56 per cent over 2011. Prisoners lodged were 54 representing an increase of 22.72 per cent.”
Tax incentives available
Lake Country wants to encourage development in the central business core.
Council has given three readings to a Main Street tax revitalization bylaw.
“It puts us on a level playing field with other communities that are providing incentives to develop or redevelop their downtown,” said Coun. Owen Dickie.
The tax incentives will range from three to 10 years depending on the height of the building being developed and their use.
It’s hoped developers will construct taller structures to meet the district’s density objectives for the Main Street area.
Tax exemptions would be based on improvements (buildings) only.
