Growth
The Issue
New development can require expanded water, sewer, drainage, roads, parks and community amenities. Without a clear development-finance system, existing taxpayers may absorb costs created by growth.
My Position
Growth should contribute fairly to the capital infrastructure and amenities it requires, while charges must be transparent, legally supportable and based on evidence. Development charges cannot lawfully fund every municipal cost or correct every existing deficiency.
What Council Can Do
Complete the required technical work and consultation for Development Cost Charges and Amenity Cost Charges, coordinate charges with capital plans, use development agreements where lawful and publish how charges are calculated and spent.
What I Would Advocate For
Establish fair and predictable charges supported by current growth projections, identify the municipal share of each project, distinguish growth-related costs from existing deficiencies, and review rates as costs and forecasts change.
Costs and Consequences
Charges can affect project feasibility and housing costs, while setting them too low transfers costs to existing taxpayers. Council should explain these trade-offs and avoid treating either outcome as cost-free.
Questions That Still Need Answers
Which projects are attributable to growth? What share should development fund? What existing deficiencies remain a municipal responsibility? How will charges affect different project types?
Sources and Further Reading
CONNECTED DECISIONS
Connected Decisions
No major community decision happens in isolation.
Housing
How new homes fit the community and what they require.
Community Plan
Where housing fits, how neighbourhoods connect and what natural and public spaces are protected.
Growth
What infrastructure and public services development requires, and who pays for them.
Spending
What a decision costs today, how it is funded and what obligations follow.
Ask Holly About This
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