Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Belleville is proposing changes to its development charges by-law and is inviting feedback on proposed updates.
Development charges are collected by municipalities to help fund the infrastructure required to support growth and new development, including essential upgrades and expansions such as water and wastewater systems, roadways, and recreational facilities.
Since the current by-law came into effect in 2022, industrial developments in Belleville have been fully exempt from paying development charges. While this has supported industrial growth, it has also resulted in approximately $14.4 million in lost revenue — costs that have ultimately been passed on to taxpayers and water/wastewater ratepayers.
To better manage this financial impact, the city is proposing to remove the industrial exemption from the by-law. In its place, a new incentive program for industrial development is being considered to continue attracting industrial investment while balancing fiscal responsibility.
“We recognize the importance of supporting industrial development, but we also have to ensure that the costs of growth are shared fairly,” officials said in a statement. “This proposed change aims to strike that balance.”
The city is seeking public input on both the proposed removal of the exemption and the design of potential incentive programs. Residents are encouraged to visit the project page to review detailed information boards and submit comments through the online feedback form.
A public meeting will be held in June, providing another opportunity for the community to voice their opinions and ask questions. More details on the meeting will be released in the coming weeks.
Accessibility supports, including ASL interpretation and alternative formats of the project materials, are available by contacting co************@********le.ca.
For more information and to provide input, visit the project page or the online comment form.
