Comments (staff report and…

Comments (staff report and accompanying resolution) from the Township of Muskoka Lakes attached

Concerns with financial refunds summarized as follows:

financial penalties should not be utilized to effect the streamlining of development approvals. A review and consideration of complex proposals from a public interest perspective takes time, and that process should not be rushed solely in an effort to ensure user fees cover services and save taxpayer money. Further, in many instances timelines are out of the municipality’s control, such as when a decision on an application is deferred by Committee/Council in order for the applicant to discuss their proposal with
neighbouring landowners, or in the consideration of requested changes. This may lead to the potential of intentional abuse by applicants. It is also questionable if the changes will result in the expedited approval of additional housing. It is likely many municipalities will not be pressured to approve of development based on a possible loss of fees, resulting in a loss of revenue and resultant staffing and resource pressures. Lastly, these changes will place an additional administrative burden on municipalities and result in difficulties in the budgeting process.