The City of Belleville is seeking feedback on a new Industrial Exemption Policy as it looks at updating its Development Charges By-Law.
Development charges are used to fund infrastructure expansion and upgrades needed due to development within the city (e.g. new/larger water and wastewater pipes, expansion of recreational facilities, etc.).
Under the current Development Charges By-law, industrial development is fully exempt from payment of development charges.
This has resulted in approximately $14.4 million in industrial exemptions since the by-law came into effect in 2022 – funds that have ultimately been recuperated by the tax levy and water/wastewater rates.
To manage the impact on taxpayers and ratepayers, steps are being taken to remove the industrial exemption from the by-law, and instead, introduce an incentive program for new industrial development to help offset the removal of the exemption.
The city is now seeking feedback from the community on the exemption policy and potential incentive programs.
Residents are encouraged to review the project page with the proposed update and information boards, and provide their comments using the online comment form to have their say.
A public meeting will be held in June for further feedback.
ASL interpretation and alternative formats of the project information and related information can be made available by contacting communications@belleville.ca.
