Changes to development charges may be coming in Belleville.
A public meeting was held during city council’s meeting on Monday outlining a 10-year Development Charges Background Study survey and the proposal of a new DC by-law.
Development charges are fees collected from new development to help fund the growth related capital costs of municipal infrastructure and services needed to support that growth.
The new by-law evaluates how growth will impact infrastructure and community service needs over the next several years and recommends updated development charge rates and policies.
A consultant’s report recommended a lower charge of $28,300 on new single-family and semi-detached homes going forward, 12 per cent lower than the current total of just over $32,000 per unit in Belleville’s Urban area.
Some community business and manufacturing leaders spoke at the meeting, noting the importance of being competitive amid a push for growth in a changing country and world at large.
Representatives also expressed concern about higher non‑residential fees potentially delaying major investments and cost the city long‑term jobs and tax revenue, along with potential shrinking of investment in industry.
Once finalized, the new development charges by-law is expected to come forward in early to mid September.
