The City of Greater Sudbury is seeking public comment on development charges in the community.
In a news release, the city said that in accordance with the Development Charges Act, a background study is completed every 10 years to study whether development rates charged will support expected future development in Greater Sudbury and the required capital projects and infrastructure to support this growth.
Development charges are levelled on developers to pay for municipal infrastructure and services that required to support new development — the rationale being developers, rather than taxpayers alone, should cover the increased costs new developments create on infrastructure, including new or expanded water and wastewater systems, roads and transportation infrastructure, recreation facilities, transit, fire and police facilities.
“The city collects these one-time fees from developers or property owners at the building permit stage to ensure growth pays for itself,” the city said.
“If DC revenues do not cover growth-related costs, development could be deferred until external funding sources can be obtained or until the projects could be funded through property taxes or water/wastewater user fees.”
The proposed rates outlined in the study are as follows:
- Residential DC for single family dwelling: $23,604 per unit
- Residential DC for semi dwelling: $19,904 per unit
- Residential DC for multiples/apartments/small residential: $14,065 per unit
- Industrial DC: $10.78 per square foot
- Non-industrial (Commercial/Institutional) DC: $13.58 per square foot
“The suggested rates include a 20 per cent reduction of fees for the first year, as is currently legislated by the Development Charges Act,” the city said.
“These rates apply to all new or expanding residential and non-residential buildings, except those that qualify for an exemption included in the development charges bylaw.
"There is a notable increase to industrial and non-industrial rates because the previous development charge rates were approved at 50 per cent of the calculated rates to encourage development.”
Public comment is being accepted online at overtoyou.greatersudbury.ca until May 12. Paper copies of the survey are available at library and Citizen Service Centre locations.
Community members are also invited to attend a public meeting on the DC background study on May 14 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Tom Davies Square. At this meeting, residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the study.
Those interested in making a presentation may preregister by contacting clerk's services at 705-674-4455, extension 4209 or by emailing clerks@greatersudbury.ca. Speakers may also register at the public meeting.
The draft bylaw will be available online at greatersudbury.ca/devcharges and on overtoyou.greatersudbury.ca as of April 30, 2024. The final report incorporating public feedback will be presented to Council for approval at the Finance and Administration Committee meeting on May 22, 2024.
The current rates are in effect until June 30, 2024.
For current rates and more information, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/devcharges.
— Sudbury.com
