HRM development fee discussion not over
Posted Oct 30, 2013 07:12:42 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Talks aren’t over yet when it comes to a possible development charge for new homes in Halifax Regional Municipality to help fund public transit.
After an hour of debate Tuesday, council referred the report for further discussion to a Commitee of the Whole meeting next month.
Bedford Coun. Tim Outhit says they’ll look at whether the development fee should be a capital cost charge and which areas of the municipality it should or should not apply to.
A development charge, which city staff are recommending, would see the levy placed on every building permit in the urban and suburban areas, while a capital cost charge would pay for service improvements in the same area as the development.
Outhit said there has been some concern that new homebuyers the cost will be passed on to, may not directly see the benefits of the transit fee in their area.
“I live in Bedford West and I want a new transportation service and I pay a little for that when I buy my house, then I should expect that to be used in my area and at some point I see transit,” said Outhit.
However, he argues those building in downtown Halifax shouldn’t have to pay the charge since there’s already an ample amount of transit.
“They already have transit service, why would be charging them? That’s when it started to look like a tax grab rather than a development charge or growth charge that would help us fund things that we need faster,” said Outhit.
Paul Pettipas, CEO of the Nova Scotia Homebuilders Association, said moving the discussion to Committee of the Whole is a step in the right direction.
“At least the councillors have said let’s bring it back, let’s discuss it and let’s let people see the benefit they get. Again, it’s a lot easier to accept a tax or a fee when you see the benefit,” said Pettipas.
The fee would amount to $882 for each new, single family home and $0.69 per square foot for non-residential buildings.
