Thank you for providing the…

Thank you for providing the opportunity for the County of Bruce to comment on ERO Posting 019-8371 on the proposed changes to the Development Charges Act.

The proposed changes are generally welcome partial reversals of previous changes that impact the ability of municipalities to cover the costs of servicing growing communities.

Bruce County requests that the province also reverse its decision to prevent municipalities from resourcing housing services through development charges.

Bruce County adopted its development charges by-law in late 2023, and appreciates the opportunity provided in the legislation to update Development Charges by-laws to reflect the proposed legislative changes, without significant re-work or appeal risk. We suggest that the province amend the proposed legislation to extend this opportunity to by-law amendments to the rate lock-in period following a planning approval from 24 months to 18 months as is proposed in the legislation.

Bruce County Council and staff appreciate the opportunity to provide input on the Development Charges Act changes proposed through Bill 185, and appreciate any further engagement by the province on opportunities to make municipalities whole we work with the province and our communities to create favourable conditions to increase housing supply.