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DEPUTATION BY THE FOLLOWING CONCERNING MOTION 23-G-155, 2023 DEVELOPMENT CHARGE BACKGROUND STUDY AND BY-LAW
The following Deputations concerning motion 23-G-155, 2023 Development Charge Background Study and By-law were received:
1. Alexander Suriano of Aird and Berlis LLP. on behalf of One Urban Development, expressed concern that the Development Charge Background Study overestimates the development related capital costs identified in the study and contains various inaccuracies with respect to assumptions related to post-period benefits and existing benefits.
Mr. Soriano discussed the Development Charges (DC) freeze, explaining that the Development Charges are to be frozen as of the date of application for two years. He advised that One Urban Development felt that the date should not be June 7, 2023, as the two-year time frame could not have started since this development has not yet occurred.
Mr. Soriano urged Council to ensure the proper interpretation of the DC freeze timeframe and that the date of site plan approval is respected. He noted that One Urban is not asking Council for an exception to the applicable DC rate for the rental housing development but for what it is entitled to under the Development Charges Act.
2. Ellen Ferris of MHBC Planning Urban Design and Landscape Architecture expressed concern about the increase in Development Charges for apartments.
Ms. Ferris asked Council to consider a new by-law that proposes phasing in of rates for one bedroom and smaller units. She commented on the significant increases over 15 months resulting in financial challenges for the project and future purchasers. She noted that the proposed increase is significantly lower for singles and semi-detached houses.
Ms. Ferris expressed that the project based on year one rates in the new DC By-law will cost more than $30 million in Development Charges and that the combination of the significant increases in the DCs and the CBC By-law will result in additi...
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