I was just reading in the Bruce Peninsula Press about Development Charges with all monies going to the County, not the municipality. This got me thinking about the costs to build our modest cottage on the NBP.
Firstly, we had to do an update to a previous environmental assessment for the property, an archaeological assessment and 100 year flood line survey. Then the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy Inc. launched a frivolous Ontario Land Tribunal appeal costing us lawyer fees before they withdrew their appeal.
Now Development Charges.
If you have lots of money great, but if you don’t? What’s your option? Rent forever, which is probably more than a mortgage payment (that is if you can find a rental). Move to a town you can afford to build/live? Does it mean paved roads, sidewalks, monies to schools/hospitals, more law enforcement, fire services. Fire service is super important and boy was it dry this summer.
One idea is extend the life span of environmental assessments so they are valid longer, because they are not cheap.
Empower the OLT to throw out frivolous appeals and make the loser pay costs without having to sue civilly. Because it’s a fact that they rarely award costs. Not sure why. Is the government just trying to appease some idiots with big mouths at the cost of innocents? Do we really have to sue civilly next and waste more money?
Does everyone realize the Municipality/Town has to have a lawyer in an OLT and you’re all paying for it and you don’t get that money back even if you win? How much did it cost the Municipality for two OLTs that ended last year? I’d ask if I were you.
Do you realize that the Federal and Provincial governments give tons of money to such groups in grants etc. they apply for? Do I get peeved when I see ATVs tearing thru the wetland on this group’s property beside me and when people camp overnight there, which my husband saw? Yep. Especially when I emailed them 3-4 times about the ATVs and sent them photos – no signage no action. Who is the better steward?
I think we are not ready for development charges unless we reap some benefit. Interest rates are high, wages are not high enough, groceries are more expensive here, gas is way too expensive, and well, we pretty much have to drive everywhere in rural Ontario. Up here too we like trucks, especially our farmers and well, me. Electric vehicle great, but who can afford them and what can you fit in them. Good luck fitting me, my husband, two dogs (one 100 pounds), and all the crap to build a cottage/house.
Logistics. Does it work? Barely, but it’s getting harder for everyone and some aren’t making it. Make it easier not harder.
Another idea – get rid of capital gains when selling second residences to free up housing. I’m sure that would appeal to sellers.
No development fees. We’re not ready.
Carol Porter,
Northern Bruce Peninsula
