Development Charges
Background Information
On September 7, 2021 Council set a date to meet with Staff and BM Ross to further discuss the implementation Development Charges. Read full Council Report here.
On September 28, 2021, Council heard a presentation from BM Ross on Development Charges. Council directed Staff to bring to a future meeting a report detailing proposed costs of proceeding with a background Development Charges study.
On October 5, 2021 Council agreed to proceed with the Development Charges background study to be completed by BM Ross at the total budgeted amount of $30,000 plus HST. Council also passed a motion that the costs associated with the background study may be recovered through Development Charges. Read full Council Report here.
On July 19, 2022 Council was provided with a presentation as well as the draft Development Charges Study Report prepared by Lisa Courtney, of BM Ross & Associates Ltd. Ms. Courtney presented the draft to Council for their consideration. Council agreed to initiate the 60 day public review process following which Council may consider passing the development charges by-law, and further that Council hold the public meeting on August 23rd.
On August 23, 2022 a Public Meeting was held to provide a review of the Development Charges proposal and to receive public input on the proposed policies. Following the Public Meeting, feedback received will be reviewed. The draft By-law, inclusive of any changes determined, will be brought forward to a future meeting of Council for consideration.
On September 20, 2022 Council passed By-Law 68-2022 being a by-law for the imposition of Development Charges. The passed by-law is included below in the documents section. This by-law came into effect on the date of passage.
What are Development Charges?
Development Charges are one-time fees paid by residents at the time a building permit is issued to help pay for municipal services to new developments, such as roads, transit, water and sewer infrastructure, community centers and fire facilities.
Development charges imposed under a bylaw are calculated, payable and collected on the date that a building permit under the Building Code Act, 1992 is issued in relation to a building or structure on the land to which the development charge applies. In some cases, agreements may change the payment timing.
Development Charges are governed by the Development Charges Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 27
What services could be included in the development charge?
Development charges can help pay for growth-related capital costs for municipal services such as:
- Development Charges Study
- Possible upgrading of Lakeshore Roads
- Upgrades to Westmount Line, MTO Road, and Airport Road
- Expansion of Municipal Water Systems, including the EA
- Public washrooms at Township owned beaches, e.g., Port Albert
- Additional equipment for the Public Works Department
- Official Plan and Zoning By-law updates
- Parks and Recreation Study
- Upgrades to existing infrastructure such as the new bridge being constructed on Birch Beach Road and the potential replacement of the bridge at the end of Zion Road by Ashfield Park
- Birch Beach Bridge