Huntsville Council postponed their decision about the Development Charges (DCs) Background Study, in the October 28, 2024, meeting.

According to the report by Hemson Consulting Limited, residential DCs services include the Library, accounting for 3.8% of DCs, Fire 8.4%, Parks and Recreation 25%, and Roads and related 60.8%.

The report adds that DCs per single/detached unit will cost $17,571, compared to the current charge of $7,071. Rows and multiples will cost $13,935, 2+ bedroom apartments $12,243, and Bachelor or 1-bedroom apartments $7,929.

Non-residential DCs account for 11.9% of Fire, and 85.3% of Roads and Related, and will cost $87.45 per square metre.

Hemson said that these charges don’t account for the District of Muskoka DC increases that will result in an additional $100/square metres.

According to Hemson, the total population of the Town is expected to grow by 3,800 people over the next 10 years, with an additional 1,225 jobs.

Resident, Steve Hernen, the only public member to attend the meeting, encouraged Council to go back and reconsider the items on the Capital Programs list costing $60 million over the next 10 years. For instance, he said the list includes two new plow trucks, in addition to the 10 they currently have, which would mean they’re building 80km more roads. And two new sidewalk plows would “double the sidewalks.” He said the additional items don’t make sense.

He added, “$60 million is wrong,” and that before the Town purchases items such as sidewalk plows, “taxes has to pay 50%, adding a huge burden to the future tax payer that I don’t think they can afford.”

“I wish you the best for cleaning this mess up,” said Hernon.

Council members agreed about the importance of reviewing the Capital Projects list in a special meeting, or as Mayor, Nancy Alcock put it “looking at it from fresh eyes,” including what costs apply to existing versus new development.

They also inquired to Hemson about potential ways of lessening the burden of a sudden increase of DCs, such as using a phased in approach, and creating initiatives for affordable housing.

They agreed to postpone their decision until November 12^th, when they’re discussing budgets.

Staff will also report back to Council with explanations for why certain items were added to the Capital list.