Development fees still under review
Last Monday, Wellington North Mayor Mike Broomhead offered an update on proposed development charges in the township.
Broomhead wants to gather the opinions of all members of council prior to a decision.
“It’s important to get that input,” he said. “We have to hit the middle ground among the five of us.”
He said that within the five-member council there are five sets of opinions on what the charges should be and how they should be implemented.
Broomhead also believes it is unlikely the municipality will achieve a May 1 implementation date.
He said he wants a chance to see what other municipalities are doing. He added that no municipality seems to set or implement its rates in the same way.
Referring to the time between a decision and implementation, Broomhead said he does not want council’s decision to have a negative impact to developers.
“We also need to take a long hard look at industrial and commercial [development charges].”
Councillor Dan Yake said that all of council feels they need a chance to evaluate the figures in the report.
“No doubt we have to discuss this,” said councillor Ross Chaulk. “... but it would be unfair to put the costs [of development] on the backs of the taxpayers.”
Broomhead is not sure there is a right decision for everyone, but council needs to make a good decision.
He stressed no decision will be made until councillor Bob Mason returns, so all of council will be involved. “We need to find a figure that is fair to the community and to allow for the growth of the community.”
