Grand Falls-Windsor adopts new development incentives and updates land sales policy
The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor has announced the adoption of a new policy, the Access Road Cost Sharing Agreement (PWD-18), and amendments to its existing Land Sales Policy (PWD-3), as part of Council’s continued efforts to stimulate housing supply and promote business development.
Together, these policy changes introduce a more streamlined, transparent, and development-focused approach to land development, while reducing financial barriers for both residential and commercial growth.
The newly adopted Access Road Cost Sharing Agreement establishes an additional incentive for subdivision development, complementing the Town’s existing Housing Incentive Program and Developer Incentive Program. Under this policy, developers entering into a Subdivision Agreement with the Town and committing to construct a minimum of 20 building lots within a 24-month period will be eligible for:
- A financial contribution toward the construction of access roads, up to the point of the
first developable lot; and - A contribution of up to $50,000 toward paving costs.
This initiative is intended to reduce upfront infrastructure costs for developers and accelerate
the availability of serviced residential lots in the community.
“These changes are about removing barriers and creating the right conditions for growth,” said
Mayor Mike Browne. “We are taking a proactive approach to support developers, increase
housing supply, and position Grand Falls-Windsor as an attractive place to invest.”
Council has also approved key amendments to the Town’s Land Sales Policy, simplifying land
pricing and eliminating post-sale adjustments. Under the revised policy, land will be sold on an
“as-is, where-is” basis unless otherwise specified, with purchasers assuming responsibility for site
preparation.
In addition, Council has introduced several targeted measures to enhance development
feasibility: - Elimination of the 10% administrative fee previously applied to land sales involving
Crown land acquisitions facilitated by the Town for the purpose of transferring land to
developers under a Subdivision Agreement. This change reduces upfront development
costs and improves overall project viability; and - Reduction in the price of serviced commercial land (unfinished to grade) from $22.25
per square metre to $13.50 per square metre, representing an approximate 40%
decrease.
This reduction is intended to strengthen the Town’s competitiveness in attracting new business
investment and supporting the expansion of existing enterprises.
“By simplifying processes, reducing costs, and sharing in key infrastructure investments, we are
making it easier to build in Grand Falls-Windsor,” added Mayor Browne. “These policies align
with our long-term vision for sustainable growth and economic development.”
The Land Sales Policy continues to govern the pricing and procedures for the sale of residential,
commercial, and other municipal land, with all transactions formalized through Purchase and
Sale Agreements and Subdivision Agreements to ensure clarity and accountability
Related Articles
