Councillor Neal chaired this portion of the meeting.
Sean-Michael Stephen, Watson & Associates, was present via electronic means regarding Municipal Wide Development Charges (D.C.) By-law. Through the use of an electronic presentation, Mr. Stephen explained the purpose of the public meeting, the background of the D.C. By-law, the study process, development charges rate structure, and the development forecast for both residential and non-residential growth. He summarized the capital program for general services for 2020-2029 and highways for 2020-2031. Mr. Stephen explained the anticipated growth-related capital needs costs and D.C. recoverable costs by services, and the calculated schedule of development charges for municipal-wide services. He continued by providing a rate comparison of current and calculated rates for the services, which included a comparison of rates of surrounding municipalities. Mr. Stephen reviewed the D.C. By-law Policies including the timing of collection, interest charges and indexing, statutory exemptions, non-statutory exemptions and redevelopment credits. He concluded by informing the Committee of the next steps of the process, noting that the anticipated date of passing the by-law is December 14, 2020 with a proposed effective date of December 15, 2020.
Mayor Foster declared a direct interest on item 9.1 as his son performed some work for Durham Hospice Clarington. Mayor Foster muted his audio and video and refrained from discussion on this matter.
Melodie Zarzeczny, Durham Hospice Clarington, was present via electronic means regarding Municipal Wide Development Charges (D.C.) By-law. Ms. Zarzeczny expressed her concerns regarding the study, as the hospice is not mentioned in the D.C. exemption categories. She noted that the hospice is important to health care and should be given the same D.C. exemption as hospitals. Ms. Zarzeczny requested that the Committee consider the hospice as a non-statutory exemption classification, based on the status as a critical part of the health care system for the community.
Mayor Foster returned to the meeting.
Ryan Carr, R.W. Carr Investments, was present via electronic means regarding Municipal Wide Development Charges (D.C.) By-law. Mr. Carr requested clarification on defining garden suites and the two-unit residential dwellings.
Ryan Guetter, Weston Consulting, was present via electronic means regarding Municipal Wide Development Charges (D.C.) By-law. Mr. Guetter provided remarks on behalf of the Soper Hills and Soper Springs developer groups. Mr. Guetter requested clarification on the sub watershed and secondary plan project processes that are identified in the background study and requested clarification on D.C. collection for studies currently underway. He stated that he supports the principles of the credit sections of the study and the provision to allow certain projects to be commenced on a frontend basis. Mr. Guetter concluded by thanking Committee for their time.
Stacey Hawkins, Durham Region Home Builders Association was present via electronic means regarding Municipal Wide Development Charges (D.C.) By-law. Ms. Hawkins requested that the Committee refer the report to the January 2021 Council meeting as there wasn’t enough time to review Staff’s response to their submission.
Willie Woo was present via electronic means regarding Municipal Wide Development Charges (D.C.) By-law. Mr. Woo supported Ms. Zarzeczny’s request to consider the hospice as a non-statutory exemption. He explained the purpose of the hospice and noted that it is a temporary end of life facility.