So you own farmland along Hwy. 12 between Atherley and Uptergrove, or along County Road 44, and you want to build a hotel, can you? You can if the township's Offical Plan (OP) says its ok. If it doesn't then you have to change the OP, and have upper level governments ratify these changes. Simple Right? Not really. It takes time and lots of $$$. This is the process Ramara is going through right now.
These changes will result in these valuable greenfield properties, to become very, very valuable. So you would think that these properties that will benefit would foot the bill for these costs. I'm not sure, so I have asked the township to clarify these points for me, since I have not been able to find any definative policy statement, from Ramara Township, that clearly defines this point.
Provincial legislation establishes the right of local governments to recapture costs to plan and make ready land for development. These same laws also give local governments the discretion to chose how much the want to recapture. Since the majority of planning costs are funded by ratepayers taxes, any amount a local government chooses not to recapture, amounts to taxpayer subsidy of the project.
For example Ramara spent approx $500,000 to design and plan the sewerage expansions in Lagoon City, before construction began this summer. Costs that are eligible to reclaim. I am currently waiting for Comrade Ricky to advise me how much of this expense will be recaptured.
(Once I know, I'll let you know).
Like the project to amend the OP, the Brechin sewer project commenced
without detailing the terms of reference, and it's policy regarding what "infastructure costs" the township will be recovering. In Comrade Ricky's report tabled April 16th, 2007, he noted his desire to recapture the $500,000 planning costs. In the "Brechin Sewerage" Development Charge background study, authored by CC Tatham, it does not clearly define all $500,000 was to be recaptured.
What has the township spent on Amendments #10 and #11, of its' current official plan? Not sure. Various budgets don't clearly state an amount, and I have not seen a report from Comrade Ricky about:
- Costs to date
- Anticipated costs to completion
I have made requests to council, and again when I know, you'll be advised.
If you feel you need to know right now, I suggest you contact Comrade Ricky, or your council member.
