The Region of Durham is planning to introduce an amendment to their current development charge by-laws (Region-wide DC by-law #28-2018 and Transit DC by-law #81-2017) to waive the DC indexing for 2020.
In order to pass the amendment, the Region of Durham needed to complete two background studies, which can be viewed/downloaded here:
Region-wide DC Background Study
Regional Transit DC Background Study
Highlights:
- The purpose of the background studies are to provide for the waiving of the scheduled July 1, 2020 indexing (if there is a positive increase) of the development charges.
- Given the current economic conditions and future uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is anticipated that there will be an impact on demand for new housing and non-residential development which may negatively impact the residential and non-residential construction industry and related employment (skilled tradespersons, local restaurants, material suppliers, etc.)
- Given the current provisions for indexing of development charges, the cost of residential and non-residential development is anticipated to increase July 1, 2020, potentially reducing the level of development within these sectors. This is an opportunity for Regional Council to consider waiving development charge indexing, in order to provide some relief for local development and building industry during these uncertain times.
- Because the indexing rate will not be known until mid-May, the impact on revenue is not known at this time.
Important Dates
Public Meeting of Council - May 27, 2020
Final Date for Public Comment - June 1, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
Consideration of Final Amending By-law - June 24, 2020
Comments
Please send any comments to DRHBA by emailing Stacey at s.hawkins@drhba.com.
