Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Greater Sudbury’s development charge (DC) rates increased July 1, as outlined in By-law 2024-105 to By-law 2024-110 approved by council at the June 25 meeting.
A background study was conducted to ensure development charges policies align with the long-term growth strategy and community needs and in accordance with the Development Charges Act.
Leading up to the passing of the bylaw, a public meeting was held and public input was received through the online engagement portal.
Changes to the bylaw include:
- A three-year suspension of DC fees on semi-detached dwellings larger than 1,200 square feet, small residential – semi-detached dwellings less than 1,200 square feet, duplexes, triplexes, row houses, townhouses and small multi-unit apartment buildings of 30 units or less.
- A three-year freeze on DC fees at current rates for single family dwellings and small residential – single family dwellings.
- Effective July 1, 2027, the residential rates that were frozen or suspended will be adjusted to the rates calculated in the 2024 DC background study. These rates will include annual adjustments for inflation for July 1, 2025, July 1, 2026 and July 1, 2027. The rates will continue to be adjusted for inflation annually after July 1, 2027. All other rates will be adjusted for inflation annually starting July 1, 2025.
- A four-year phased-in increase to Industrial and non-industrial DCs.
Discounts for small residential – single-family dwellings and semi-detached dwellings, as well as locational incentives, will expire on June 30, 2029. Rates will then transition to standard rates for respective single and semi-detached dwellings.
The bylaws provide the rates, as well as discounts and exemptions that will be available during the next 10 years with an expiry date of June 30, 2034.
The following DC rates will be in effect until June 30, 2025:
- Single detached dwelling (1,200 square feet and above): $22,162 per unit
- Small residential – single detached dwelling (under 1,200 sq. ft.): $12,791
- Multiples and apartments with more than 30 units: $17,581 per unit
- Industrial: $6.15 per sq. ft.
- Non-industrial (commercial/institutional): $8.41 per sq. ft.
Projects expected to be partially funded by DCs include Maley Drive, Second Avenue (Sudbury) from Donna Drive to Kenwood Road, road, water and wastewater improvements at various industrial parks, Walden Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades, expanded and new facilities for fire, ambulance and police services.