Last Monday, Wellington North Mayor Mike Broomhead offered an update on proposed development charges in the township.
Broomhead wants to gather the opinions of all members of council prior to a decision.
“It’s important to get that input,” he said. “We have to hit the middle ground among the five of us.”
He said that within the five-member council there are five sets of opinions on what the charges should be and how they should be implemented.
Broomhead also believes it is unlikely the municipality will achieve a May 1 implementation date.
He said he wants a chance to see what other municipalities are doing. He added that no municipality seems to set or implement its rates in the same way.
Referring to the time between a decision and implementation, Broomhead said he does not want council’s decision to have a negative impact to developers.
“We also need to take a long hard look at industrial and commercial [development charges].”
Councillor Dan Yake said that all of council feels they need a chance to evaluate the figures in the report.
“No doubt we have to discuss this,” said councillor Ross Chaulk. “… but it would be unfair to put the costs [of development] on the backs of the taxpayers.”
Broomhead is not sure there is a right decision for everyone, but council needs to make a good decision.
He stressed no decision will be made until councillor Bob Mason returns, so all of council will be involved. “We need to find a figure that is fair to the community and to allow for the growth of the community.”
