It looks like Kincardine council has decided to go full pop when it comes to the latest development charges in the community.
At the June 7th meeting, council voted in favour of going with the maximum allowable when it comes to the fees.
It followed a public meeting where there were no speakers for or against.
That means new residential builds will have a development charge of just over $18,000 starting in July which is a 30% increase over the current charge.
In the non-residential category, the increase will be $90.69 a square metre which is a hefty 75% hike over the current charge.
However small businesses at 232 square meters, that would locate in commercial zones, will be exempt from the charges.
Kincardine councillor Maureen Couture admits the increases are high but there is no other to recoup the money except through taxes.
She says, “We’ve already expended money on servicing lands to the tune of millions of dollars and we need to recoup those through development charges.”
One councillor voted against the motion.
Bill Stewart didn’t want the small commercial exemption to be part of the proposed bylaw.
He believes everyone should be paying their fair share.
Councillors will have one more kick at development charges when it comes back to council in bylaw form on June 21st.
Development charges are fees imposed on new development to fund growth-related capital costs and infrastructure.
