A development charge by-law for Wellington was up for discussion at Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting in Prince Edward County.
But, questions about the ambitious growth plan for the town dominated talk.
There are proposals for development in Wellington that could add as many as 2,500 residential units to the village over the next several years, resulting in the population growing from the current 2,000 to more than 8,000 people.
A Wellington-only development charges by-law is being suggested to help cover some of the more than $96 million in upgrades that would be necessary to both the water and wastewater systems.
A consultant’s study estimates development charges on a detached home with more than two bedrooms would be more than $21,000, a $10,000 increase over the current charges.
But several councillors questioned the cost of that new infrastructure and the risk involved if the plans for growth don’t go as expected.
Councillor Janice Maynard suggested the risk is just too high.
Councillor Mike Harper said it is a lot of money to spend on the hope that the village grows from the current 2,000 to 8,600 residents.
Councillor Jamie Forrester wondered what the plan would be if the growth doesn’t happen.
A copy of the study remains on the Prince Edward County website.
Public feedback is welcome until January 19.
A decision on the by-law is expected by the end of February.
