Photo provided by Bobbi Ann Brady's Office
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady is calling for a balanced approach to development charges as municipalities look for ways to pay for growth.
In her latest column, Brady highlighted a $1-billion provincial and federal investment announced during the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference. The funding will help municipalities that do not collect development charges build infrastructure needed for new housing.
Development charges are fees paid by developers and builders to help cover roads, water systems and other infrastructure. However, Brady says those costs are ultimately passed on to homebuyers.
She pointed to Haldimand County, which has some of the lowest charges in the province. Urban homes sit around $30,000, as an example of a more measured approach when compared to places like the Greater Toronto Area where charges run from $100k to $170k.
Brady also criticized Norfolk County’s proposed increase, which she says would add roughly $25,000 to current development charges for an average home.
She argues eliminating development charges entirely also raises questions about who pays for infrastructure as communities grow.
Brady says municipalities, developers and senior governments need to work together to find a balance that protects taxpayers and homebuyers while still funding necessary infrastructure.
