In anticipation of expected Development Charge background studies, the NIA is preparing our advocacy plans to encourage local councils to support full exemptions for industrial DC’s. We know from past experience that industry engagement is a critical component in evaluating true economic benefit from the sector around this subject. Or goal – as it has always been – is to provide that industry engagement and demonstrate that mitigating red-tape, taxation, and fees is a key to enabling our local manufactures to sustain and grow.
To serve this effort, we will be preparing a series of white papers that provide information around DC’s, and highlight local stories that illustrate how DC exemptions for industry have been instrumental in business growth in the Region. We want to shed light on this often subdued topic so that our community is better informed about the impact.
For those who are unfamiliar with the concept of Development Charges, here is a very brief standard description:
A development charge is a one-time fee imposed by a local municipality on new developments, redevelopments, or expansions to help pay for the infrastructure and services needed to support population growth. These fees, collected when a building permit is issued, fund projects such as water and sewer systems, roads, fire and police services, and parks. The principle is that growth should help pay for its own costs, and these charges are governed by provincial legislation, such as the Development Charges Act, 1997, in Ontario.
Our first white paper can be accessed in the link below – we hope you will take the time to read it. This is a critical battleground that the NIA will continue to be vocal about in support of our industrial community in Niagara!