The County of Prince Edward is seeking input from the public as it drafts a new development charges by-law.
Development charges are fees imposed on land development and redevelopment projects. Those funds are used by the municipality to cover capital costs associated with residential and non-residential growth within the municipality, ensuring that growth pays for growth.
With the current development charges by-law expiring on March 5, 2023, the municipality is preparing a background study with the assistance of Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. The background study informs the calculation of the development charges for the County.
The study will look at the anticipated residential and non-residential growth over the next 20 years, including the location of development, population, housing, and employment projections. Based on those projections, the municipality will determine the increase in need for service that is required.
All eligible services areas will be considered for inclusion in the development charges by-law. The eligible services under the Development Charges Act include:
- Water supply services, including distribution and treatment services
- Wastewater services, including sewers and treatment services
- Storm water drainage and control services
- Services related to a highway
- Electrical power services
- Transit services other than the Toronto-York subway extension
- Waste diversion services
- Policing services
- Fire protection services
- Ambulance services
- Library Services
- Long-term care services
- Parks and recreation services (but not the acquisition of land for parks)
- Public health services
- Childcare and early years services
- Housing services
- Provincial Offences Act services
- Services related to emergency preparedness
To help with prioritization of eligible services within the new development charges by-law, the municipality is asking the public to fill out a short survey online. Hard copies of the survey are also available at the County’s municipal office (Edward Building, Suite 103, 280 Picton Main Street), Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm. If you require assistance or an alternative means of filling out the survey, call 613.476.2148 extension 1009 or email communications@pecounty.on.ca. The survey will remain open until 4 pm on Friday, December 2.
More information about development charges — including answers to frequently asked questions — is posted on the County’s Have Your Say online engagement website. If you have a question regarding the study, contact Amanda Carter, Director of Finance and IT, at 613.476.2148 extension 1502 or email acarter@pecounty.on.ca.