Do Not Support Parkland…

Do Not Support

Parkland dedication is a responsibility of the local municipalities in the Region of Durham, the provision of adequate parks space in higher density areas helps to contribute to their function as pedestrian-oriented places. Parkland dedication in higher density areas also helps to deliver climate resilience benefits, including stormwater management and urban heat island attenuation.

Extending the historic level of service average from 10 years to 15 years will supress a municipality’s ability to collect the amount of development charges (DCs) necessary to pay for infrastructure improvements, where the costs of recent upgrades in service levels would be diluted by the extension in the historic level of service average, forcing municipalities to have to collect over a longer period of time to pay for needed development charge eligible improvements. Similarly, the exclusion of the cost of studies and certain land costs will shift these costs to the existing taxpayer and ratepayers.

The proposed exemptions for affordable and attainable housing along with discounts for rental apartments shift significant portions of growth-related capital costs onto existing property taxpayers and user rate payers who are already struggling with housing costs. In the Region of Durham, existing property taxpayers have already contributed to the growth-related costs that have resulted from their development and now are being asked to contribute to the growth-related infrastructure for new residents.

Phasing in new DC rates over a 5-year period, would slow cost recovery and delay capital improvements which new housing would be reliant upon. If infrastructure is to be accelerated, these costs would be absorbed by existing property taxpayers.

The removal of housing services as an eligible cost in the DC removes a funding source for funding community housing for those most vulnerable. As communities grow there is an increased need for below market rental housing to support mixed income, inclusive neighbourhoods.

The changes being proposed would have the effect of reducing the DC recovery and requiring municipalities to find alternative sources of funds for needed growth related services. This would have to be funded by the existing tax base and is contrary to the principle that growth pays for growth.

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This is staff-level feedback submitted on Bill 23 to the province on behalf of the Region of Durham. Council endorsement of staff-level feedback and recommendations will be sought at the December Regional Council meeting.