"Development Charges apply to new construction with some exceptions. The Municipality of Bluewater conducted a study in 2022. Council approved new rates with the passing of By-law 86-2022 that took effect on August 19th, 2022. The Municipality collects these charges with building permit applications.
Two factors change the rates adopted by by-law. They are Bill 23 and indexing. Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, was enacted by the Ontario Government on November 28, 2022. Bill 23 amended the Development Charges Act. The result was to reduce the amount charged to developers by municipalities.
Beginning January 1st, 2023, development charges decreased by 20 percent. This increases by five (5) percent each year of the local by-law.
Development charges may be adjusted annually without amendment to the by-law. The applicable index is the Statistics Canada Non-Residential Third Quarter Construction Price Index (CPI). By-law 86-2022 provides that indexing may begin on January 1st, 2023. Council received a report on how indexing affected this year’s rates on February 6th, 2023.
Beginning March 1st, 2023, development charges will increase by 15.6 percent.
The Building department applies development charges to complete building applications.
How do these changes affect you? Visit the development charges study page or the development charges rates page on our website. You can also contact the Municipality of Bluewater Development Services Staff with questions."
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