To be introduced by Sheila Gurrie, City Clerk.
Purpose: To present for Council’s consideration, resolutions for submission to the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities for consideration at the 2019 Annual General Meeting and Convention.
Recommendation: That Council provide direction regarding the following resolutions:
(a) Development Cost Charges
WHEREAS the Local Government Act currently restricts the imposition of Development Cost Charges to areas of sewage, water, drainage, highway facilities and park land;
AND WHEREAS new development creates capital cost burdens on municipalities in other areas, such as emergency services, solid waste management, and recreational and cultural facilities;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities and Union of BC Municipalities request the provincial government amend the Local Government Act to allow for the imposition of Development Cost Charges in areas other than sewage, water, drainage, highway facilities and park land.
(b) Property Taxation:
WHEREAS Section 193 of the Community Charter restricts a municipality from imposing fees or taxes except as expressly authorized under the Community Charter or another Act;
AND WHEREAS urban sprawl creates higher infrastructure costs, transportation costs, and other expenses borne by society;
AND WHEREAS municipalities attempt to control urban sprawl whilst encouraging healthier lifestyles and alternative modes of transportation;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government amend the Community Charter to allow municipalities to adjust their property tax rates by setting density brackets in their jurisdiction, to use at their discretion, as an incentive to reduce urban sprawl and as a method of assigning infrastructure and maintenance costs more accurately amongst end users.