Burlington increases fees to developers for more parkland in city
Published July 21, 2022 at 11:39 am
One of the struggles a growing city like Burlington has to deal with is expanding amenities for all the new residents to enjoy.
Things like libraries and community centres are expensive and the new development doesn’t always pick up their full cost.
In fact, with the rising price of land, the City knows there is a significant shortfall in funds to make sure there’s enough parks.
To rectify that, council passed an amendment to the parkland dedication bylaw that will allow it to take more money from developers to develop local greenspaces.
“The analysis from our independent consultant made it very clear we aren’t collecting anywhere near enough to provide for the parks our community needs, especially in light of the significant population growth we have experienced, and continue to face,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.
“By adjusting these rates now, we protect residents from the potential of a significant tax hit. If we were to try and raise this money through property taxes, it would translate to a six or seven per cent tax increase on the taxpayer. Under provincial legislation, the development community is required to contribute to community needs when they are growth-related. This is one step toward ensuring growth pays towards growth.”
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