The Town of The Blue Mountains has delayed the process to implement new and much higher development charges.
At its meeting on April 2, council received a staff report that outlined the reasons for a two-week delay in the implementation of a new development charges study and bylaw for the town. The bylaw was expected to be before council for approval at the meeting, however, town staff advised it would now come forward on April 15.
The draft bylaw proposes sharp increases in town development changes. It recommends a basic development charge for a single or semi-detachment home with no water and sewage services of $37,775 – up from $24,047. The commercial/industrial charge would be $135.28 per square metre – up from $85.70.
Development charges in The Blue Mountains vary depending on the area in the town in which the development is located.
The town has 11 area-specific development charges - Craigleith, Castle Glen, Osler, Thornbury East, Thornbury West, Clarksburg, Lora Bay service area 1, Lora Bay service area 2, Lora Bay service area 3, Camperdown and Swiss Meadows – in its bylaw. The proposed new charges range from a low of $37,775 in Swiss Meadows to a high of $137,022 in Osler.
Acting Director of Finance/Treasurer Sam Dinsmore said in the wake of major concerns expressed by many members of the development community at a recent public meeting on the bylaw, town staff are continuing discussions with the public on the issue.
“The consultant felt it necessary to make some changes,” Dinsmore said of the ongoing discussions. “Changes with the public have brought the rates down.”
Dinsmore said he would deliver a full report about the proposed changes at the April 15 meeting. The town’s current development charges bylaw expires on April 24, 2024 and the town must have a new bylaw and background study in place by that date.
