Please accept the following…

Please accept the following comments on behalf of Council for the Township of Algonquin Highlands regarding Bill 23.

Council and Staff have reviewed the proposed changes and have a number of concerns. They are as follows:

Development Charges: Council is not in support of reducing development charges. There is concern that the reductions in development charges will result in increased taxes for existing and new ratepayers to cover the shortfall. Council shares the same concerns identified by AMO in their submission to the standing committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy which notes the following:

• Removing housing services from the list of eligible development charge services
• Excluding the cost of studies and cost to acquire land for specific services from eligible costs
that can be recouped by development charges
• Reducing development charges on rental housing, based on the number of bedrooms
• Requiring a mandatory 5-year phase in of development charge rates for by-laws approved
after June 1, 2022
• Exempting development charges for affordable housing, attainable residential units, non profit housing developments and inclusionary zoning residential units
• Increasing the historic service level standard period from 10 to 15 years.

No third party appeals: Council expressed concern with the proposed exclusion of third party appeals. Clarification is requested on whether lake associations or other rate payer associations would have the ability to appeal a decision.

It is our understanding this proposed change has been amended to continue to allow third party appeals. This amendment is encouraging.

Subdivision approval: Council noted they were not in favor of no longer requiring a public meeting to be held for draft plans of subdivision.

Site Plan Control: The elimination of site plan control for development of less than 10 residential units will have an impact on the Rural Township of Algonquin Highlands where development is primarily single residential units. Site Plan Control for new residential development on waterfront lots ensured that natural features were protected and that zoning compliance would be achieved on a specific property. This is a valuable tool that the Township will lose as part of the proposed changes through Bill 23.

Finally, concern has been raised with the timing and speed the province is proceeding with the proposed changes. Without additional time and further consultation with municipalities the full impact of the proposed changes through Bill 23 cannot be fully appreciated. Additional time to review the proposed changes is respectfully requested.