Development Charges Study

2022 Development charges study

The 2022 development charges study has been completed by B.M. Ross. The new development charges by-law is now in effect. On June 26th, 2022 the draft development charges study was presented to Council. On August 11th, 2022, By-law 86-2022 was adopted by Council. It took effect on August 19th, 2022 and will remain in effect until August 19, 2027 unless it is repealed by Council at an earlier date. The previous development charges by-law (92-2017) has been repealed.

Our current rates for development charges can be found on the Development Charges Rates page.

The information contained on this page is intended only as a guide. Applicants should review By-law 86-2022 and consult with the Building department to determine the applicable charges that may apply to specific development proposals. The information is also summarized in a brochure which is available upon request from the Development Services department. 

What are development charges?

Development charges are collected from developers when they apply for a building permit. Development charges apply to residential and non-residential developments with some exceptions. The Municipality conducts a development charges background study every five years. The background study determines needs and costs for municipal-wide services.

General purpose

Under the Development Charges Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 27, municipalities must undertake a study and adopt a by-law if they wish to impose development charge fees. 

Area to which by-law applies

Subject to section 3.3, this by-law applies to all lands in the Municipality of Bluewater whether or not the land or use thereof is exempt from taxation under s. 13 of the Assessment Act, R.S.O 1990, c. A.31.

Indexing

Development charges imposed pursuant to this by-law may be adjusted annually, without amendment to this by-law, commencing on the 1st of January 2023 and each year thereafter, in accordance with the prescribed index in the Act.

Statement of the treasurer

The Treasurer shall each year on or before such date as Council may direct, give Council a financial statement relating to the development charge by-law and reserve funds established.

Services covered

The categories of services for which development charges are imposed are as follows:

• services related to a Highway;
• outdoor recreation services;
• administration;
• waste diversion;
• wastewater services; and
• water services
  

Development charge exemptions

Notwithstanding the provision of this by-law, development charges are not imposed with respect to:

1. lands, buildings or structures used or to be used for a place of worship or for the purposes of a cemetery or burial ground exempt from taxation under the Assessment Act; and
2. the development of non-residential farm buildings constructed for bona fide farm uses, being that which operates with a valid farm business registration number and is assessed in the farmland realty tax class.
3. certain industrial expansions (in accordance with the terms outlined in the by-law).
4. installation of park model trailer units on lots replacing existing trailers and park model units.

Please refer to By-law 86-2022 for a full list of development charge exemptions.