KENILWORTH – The Township of Wellington North is updating its development charges bylaw to align with provincial requirements.
The township’s current development charges bylaw was adopted in 2022.
The province has since introduced several legislative amendments to the provincial Development Charges Act including new statutory exemptions, definitions, procedural updates and rules for timing of payments.
The township hired DFA Infrastructure International to review its existing bylaw and ensure compliance with the province.
Township treasurer Jerry Idialu called the update “housekeeping” item during a regular meeting of council on July 14, during which it was presented.
The proposed amended bylaw does not adjust development charge rates.
New are development charge exemptions for non-profit housing, exclusionary zoning units, affordable units and attainable units.
Rental housing developments would be granted discounts based on the number of bedrooms in each unit.
Suggested changes include wording and presentation around residential intensification and updated definitions related to:
- rental housing developments;
- non-profit housing developments;
- affordable residential units;
- attainable residential units;
- inclusionary zoning residential units; and
- long-term care homes.
Proposed amendments also include changing payment timing for residential development charges, and reducing the time a municipality has to determine development charges for developer applications seeking to amend site plan and zoning bylaws.
The township is holding a public meeting to discuss proposed amendments on August 11 at 2pm.
This review does not replace a full development charge study to occur before the bylaw expires in 2027.
“A comprehensive review remains planned for 2026 to assess updated growth projections, service needs and charge rates,” officials stated in a staff report.
