St. Mary’s Church will not be getting further discounts when it comes to local development fees.
On Monday night, council reviewed a letter from church representatives asking it to waive development fees of $7,340 for construction of the St. Mary Family Centre on Parkside Drive, in Mount Forest.
The letter signed by Pastor M.C. Farwell and building committee chairman Richard Bondy stated “The fundamental reason for this request derives from the fact that the proposed family centre will be an integral part of the church structure.”
The addition will be physically connected to the original church, and be part and parcel of the church nave.
The letter further noted the primary function of the front part of the addition will become the principal entrance to the church.
The letter went on to illustrate the various programs and means in which the church contributes to the life of the community.
“The Church of St. Mary of the Purification is a non-profit faith community and is recognized by the government of Canada as a registered charity.
“The parish feels that an additional reason that development fees should be waived is the fact that the parish family of St. Mary of the Purification is composed of approximately 300 active families (regular attendance) and another 150 to 200 families who attend service and use parish facilities occasionally. These families already pay taxes and the development fee is yet another tax and a financial burden to our faith community.
“We feel that our family centre will be a benefit to the residents of Mount Forest and will help build a stronger more unified community.”
However, when the request was discussed at council it was quickly pointed out that the fee is substantially less than what other similar developments would be charged.
When Wellington North chose to implement its development charges bylaws – churches and similar institutions were allotted a special rate – 50% of what would be normally charged.
Councillor Dan Yake asked if similar letters were sent to Wellington County council and the school boards.
Treasurer John Jeffrey pointed out that the county does not charge development fees for churches, and development fees by the school board do not apply to this type of construction.
Councillor Ross Chaulk said when Wellington North created the development charges, it was in consultation with community groups … including churches.
Mayor Mike Broomhead said if council switched policies now, it would be hearing from churches that recently undertook projects and did pay the development charges.
“I don’t think we can,” Chaulk said.
Council’s decision was to collect the fees.
