The hefty increase in proposed fees charged to developers when building new homes in the nation's capital was slashed in half on Wednesday — and likely not...
Ottawa staff have changed their recommendation for how much the city should charge in development fees, slashing the hike they initially proposed.
While the change is certainly moving in the right direction for the Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association's Jason Burggraaf, he told CBC he can't endorse it until the city releases a revised background study so the new calculations can be properly scrutinized.Provincial legislation outlines exactly what cities can charge developers and the calculation is deceptively simple.
Orléans South-Navan Coun. Catherine Kitts questioned how the fees proposed by the city saw such a drastic change in a short time. Still confused? So were some councillors, who asked for a written explanation that never materialized. While this was a "fairly significant" difference, Hall argued that it's common for cities to change the assumptions underlying their methodologies during the consultation process.
"If there had to be a refund, I would not believe that it would be a major amount," Marc said. "I am cautiously optimistic."While several public delegates argued the city should freeze fees at their current level, councillors at planning committee were satisfied with the new numbers and passed them without a recorded vote.
"It's a real math salad. It was all tossed together, and I'm still digesting it," he said. "I still have more due diligence to do because this is the nail in the coffin for home ownership for people in this city, and it concerns me greatly."
Councillors Housing Committee Catherine Kitts Gary Baker City Staff Sudden Increase Calculations
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