Development Charges Act: Funding For Transit And Recycling

Last week, we reported on the passage of Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015 (the "Act") and its implications for the Planning Act. This week we look at the amendments to the Development Charges Act, which mean more funding tools for municipalities for transit and recycling initiatives.

Under the Development Charges Act, a municipality may impose a development charge for developments that require certain kinds of planning approvals, like a zoning by-law or a minor variance, or if a permit must be issued under the Building Code Act, in relation to a building or structure.

Also, the Development Charges Act makes certain services associated with development ineligible services, i.e. these are services for which a municipality cannot impose a development charge.