Municipal development charges increase

Roger Varley

A report to council by deputy treasurer Carly Somers on Monday recommended changes to the township's development charges that see some rates almost doubled.

The report noted that development charges are intended to help the municipality pay for capital infrastructure required to provide municipal services to new development, such as roads, stormwater management, parks and other services. Somers' report showed the development charges on a single or semi-detached residence currently stands at $20,268 per unit. That charge would increase at the end of this month to $31,846. Similar large increases are shown for multiple residential buildings such as apartments, where development charges will increase to $26,835 from the current $15,517. In the case of what are called special needs units, the development charge will almost double to $11,600 from $6,967.

Development services manager Kyle Rainbow said the increase in rates is backed up by data and noted that the increased rates will not affect affordable housing since that category is exempt from development charges.

Treasurer Tobi Lee said the development charges in Uxbridge are "middle of the pack" when compared to other municipalities in the area.