Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 15, 2009 7:00 PM
Developers are facing a new formula to pay for infrastructure, and that has created a rift among Vernon politicians. Council voted 4-3 Monday to give three readings to a development cost charges bylaw. DCCs are money municipalities levy to offset the cost of infrastructure required because of a new development.
Vigorous opposition came from Coun. Bob Spiers during the 90-minute debate. “Development should pay for itself so the projects on the list should be accurate and complete,” he said of the infrastructure eligible for DCCs. As an example, Spiers said the biosolids fertilizer facility is not included and he believes figures are under-estimated for the sewer treatment plant. “Therefore, it is a transfer of costs from developers to sewer ratepayers.” Attempts by Spiers to have the bylaw deferred so staff could provide more detail were shot down. Also voting against the bylaw were Councillors Mary-Jo O’Keefe and Patrick Nicol. “I thought we could have done a bit more work on it,” said Nicol of the bylaw. “This was the first time we openly discussed it.”
But the rest of council backed the bylaw which was presented by staff and a consultant. “There’s been a lot of work done by staff,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy. One aspect of the bylaw is varying DCCs depending on where development occurs. In attempt to revitalize the city’s central core and increase density, fees would be lowered for development closer into downtown. As development occurs farther out, the DCCs would increase. “It reflects the policies and guidelines in our official community plan,” said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough. The concept of trying to limit growth at the far extremities of the communities was also supported by Coun. Shawn Lee. “We have to stand by our OCP and the OCP calls for density grading,” he said. Final adoption of the bylaw is expected to occur in early 2010.
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