Prince Edward County Commissioner of Corporate Services and Finance Susan Turnbull cautions the committee of the whole against extending discounts on development charges on February 11, 2016. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Prince Edward County wants to keep the doors open to future development extending a 50% discount on charges for residential and non-residential builds, even though it could be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board.
In 2013, council enacted a By-Law offering the discount on development charges to attract more construction in residential areas fully and partially serviced areas along with non-residential to boost the tax base.
At Thursday’s meeting, the committee of the whole was presented with a staff report recommending the discount be discontinued as it hadn’t significantly boosted housing starts in the County. (2013- 23 units; 2014 – 41 units; 2015 – 47 units)
It would have required developers to submit applications and have building permits approved by March 6, 2016 to receive a discount or wait 60 days for a study to be completed to see if the 50% offer would continue.
Mayor Robert Quaiff told the committee his phone has been ringing off the hook from developers and contractors who are opposed to the offer expiring next month.
When asked, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Finance Susan Turnbull said the construction industry had not been consulted on the matter. Turnbull and CAO James Hepburn cautioned the horseshoe against extending the discount saying it could be appealed to the OMB. The Development Act changed as of January 1, 2016 so now municipalities must give 60 days to prepare a background study with public notice and consultation before changes to a By-Law can be made.
“No disrespect to Commissioners Turnbull and Hepburn but who says I can’t extend it? “Why can’t I? Who is stopping me?” the mayor demanded.
“The province,” Turnbull answered pointing to the fact that legislation requires her to do a background study first.
