OFA provides input to ERO #019-8371 and ORR # 24-MMAH006 as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) seeks input on proposed changes to the Development Charges Act, 1997 through the proposed Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024. OFA also provides the following comments regarding schedule 6 of Bill 185, to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs as part of their consideration of Bill 185.
OFA supports:
- the repeal of the mandatory five-year phase in for development charge rates;
- reinstating background studies as an eligible capital cost for development charges; and
- the proposals to streamline the process for extending development charge by-laws.
OFA recommends amending the Development Charges Act to provide a statutory exemption for farm buildings from development charges.
OFA has long advocated for a statutory exemption for farm buildings from DCs since farm structures like barns do not contribute to growth related capital expenditures in the same way as other development.
Related OFA submissions:
November 17, 2022 – OFA submission to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding proposed changes to the Planning Act and Development Charges Act, 1997 (ERO 019-6172)