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DEPUTATION BY ALEXANDER SURIANO OF AIRD AND BERLIS LLP. ON BEHALF OF ONE URBAN DEVELOPMENT CONCERNING MOTION 23-G-151, COMMUNITY BENEFITS CHARGES STRATEGY AND BY-LAW
Alexander Suriano of Aird and Berlis LLP, provided a Deputation on behalf of One Urban Development concerning motion 23-G-151 regarding Community Benefits Charges (CBC) Strategy and By-law.
Mr. Soriano provided concerns about the impacts that the CBC By-law will have on affordable rental housing in developments like One Urban Development, the additional levy on developments that have already received approval from the City but have not yet obtained a building permit. He expressed that requiring a community benefits charge was unreasonable and unfair when Council approved density bonusing under the City’s Official Plan. Mr. Soriano’s final concern was that the CBC By-law would achieve the opposite effect as the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) intended by adding costs and disincentivizing the creation of rentals and affordable housing units within the City.
Mr. Soriano asked that the CBC By-law be amended to include an exemption for certain developments that benefit the public, specifically rental and affordable housing. He commented on the significant need for affordable housing within the City and the issue of homelessness because of a lack of affordable housing. He expressed the value of the CIP project as a community benefit.
Mr. Soriano outlined three alternatives to the CBC By-law:
1. Delaying the implementation of the Bylaw until September 1st;
2. Exempting or discounting certain types of developments, including rental only developments; and
3. Not approving the CBC By-law.
Mr. Soriano strongly recommended that Council accept the second recommendation or alternatives 1 or 3 if Council is not inclined to accept the second recommendation.