From the Town of Gravenhurst:
Andrew Mirabella of Hemson Consulting provided Gravenhurst council with an overview of the development charges study the company is conducting on behalf of the town during the latest council meeting.
Development charges are fees that the town collects from new construction projects to help pay for growth-related infrastructure investments in the community.
These investments include such things as new sidewalks, parks, and equipment.
The principle behind the charges is that growth pays for growth.
Mirabella said the purpose of his presentation was to provide information about development charges in general, details about the draft calculated development charge rates, and next steps regarding the town’s development charges study, including public consultation.
Through the public consultation process, the town is looking for feedback on the proposed new fees.
Mirabella noted that development charges are imposed through a bylaw and that once in place the fees have a 10-year lifespan before they must be reviewed and updated.
Prior to passing a bylaw, provincial regulations require a development charges background study and related public meeting.
The town last passed a development charges bylaw in December 2019.
As part of the current study, Mirabella said Hemson has done a preliminary town-wide development charges calculation.
For a single detached unit, the rate is calculated at $13,879 versus the current rate of $5,768.
For additional information on draft rates, watch the presentation.
Mirabella noted the plan is to release a draft of the development charges study for public review in September.
At that time, the information will be available for review on Engage Gravenhurst, where there will be an opportunity for people to comment on the study.
A public meeting is planned for Oct. 23 at 3:00 p.m. – another opportunity for people to provide feedback – and council will consider approving the new development charges bylaw in November.
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