White Rock is looking at ways businesses can give themselves – and the community – a makeover, and tax exemptions for revitalization top the list.

Mayor Catherine Ferguson said provincial legislation allows the city to give incentives to businesses that want to spruce up their facades – in areas of the city’s choosing.

Council’s economic development committee is currently looking at ways this has been implemented in other communities, including the mininum value of improvement to qualify, design criteria and the length of time businesses are allowed the exemption.

“Say someone wants to do a $100,000 improvement to their facade,” Ferguson said. “They get a tax exemption on the part they’re making the improvement to, and that usually lasts anywhere from two to five years.”

Ferguson said that while the landlord or business owner would still pay taxes on the land and existing building, such an exemption would “absolutely” provide an incentive for businesses to rework facades.

Such measures have worked well when tied to themes, the mayor noted. And while the city doesn’t have the same clear heritage opportunities that exist in some communities, Ferguson sees the West Coast Village approach defined in the city’s official community plan – including wood beams and natural stone finish – as likely design criteria for facade upgrades.

Ferguson said such a measure could also attract other businesses to White Rock.

The idea is to be reviewed by the economic development committee and the finance committee before coming to council next year.

“We need to have a clear idea of the implications for the city in terms of revenue,” she said. “In the short term we’re giving people a break on taxes, but in the long term we’re increasing the appeal of the city. There’s a bigger picture – it’s not a quick fix, but an investment in the city.