Town Council

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Development charges are about to go up in Saugeen Shores after Town Council voted on Monday (Aug. 29) to go ahead with the increase beginning September 12 to be phased in over three years.

A single family dwelling for instance will go from $4,271 to a final $12,292; apartments of 2 bedrooms or more from $2,752 to $8,993; bachelor and 1 bedroom from $1,757 to $7,500 and townhouse and multiples from $3,188 to $5,672.

Overall, these increases represent from 178% to more than 400% in increased charges.

Council debated between an immediate increase to one phased in over five years.  Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau opted for a five-year phase-in while Councilor Diane Huber said that, because the increase was inevitable, it should go ahead immediately.

Hemson Consulting on behalf of Mariposa Homes, presented an in-depth study (July written) of development charges throughout various municipalities.  "It is our recommendation that the Town undertake to completely review the validity of the methods of approach being recommended by the Town's consultant, and the comparative data used, and thereby undertake to develop an application of exercising its opportunities under the Development Charges Act that reflects the best interest of the Town."

According to Barry Kruisselbrink, President of  Barry's Construction and Insulation Ltd., the Hemson (consultant hired by the town) report did not mention that there are seven municipalities (South Bruce, Brockton, Arran-Elderslie, Northern Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bluffs, Hanover and Chatsworth) that have no development charges at all.  Out of 17 municipalities there are seven - almost half- that do not have development charges. The report shows hat Port Elgin would have one of the highest development charges second only to the Town of Bue Mountains.

Local realtors also expressed their concerns (written) that the increased development charges in combination with the HST would impact home sales.

In the end, Council agreed to the three-year phase in of the increase in development charges, with only Councilor Huber opposed and wanting the change implemented immediately.  A final By-law will be voted on at Town Council's September 12th meeting.

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Tuesday, August 30, 2011