City services | March 4, 2022
The City of Mississauga has released two reports for public feedback: a Development Charges Background Study and Community Benefits Charge Strategy. These reports are part of the City’s comprehensive review of its Development Charges By-law and the creation of a new by-law to support the Community Benefits Charge introduced by the Government of Ontario in 2020. These two by-laws provide the framework the City needs to manage growth and help pay for it now and in the future.
“Mississauga is in the midst of a remarkable transformation. We are bringing dynamic new communities to life along future transit lines, reinvigorating old industrial lands on our waterfront and building a vibrant and livable downtown,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “While we are pleased that land developers see the value of building in Mississauga, cities are facing a financial crunch. When new development occurs it’s critical that developers contribute to the cost of the services and amenities required to support new growth. Growth must pay for growth, not taxpayers.”
Growth Funding Tools
The City has three main funding tools to support the cost of growth that comes from new development:
These funding tools help the City plan and build complete communities and maintain a high quality of life for residents.
Development Charges are fees the City collects to help pay for the infrastructure and services needed when new residential or non-residential buildings are built. The Community Benefits Charge is a new fee, established by the Government of Ontario that will help pay for additional growth-related costs coming from high-density developments. New developments are also required to contribute land or cash-in-lieu of parkland to ensure Mississauga has the right amount of park space for our growing city.
“The funding collected from developers means the City does not have to rely entirely on property taxes or other revenue sources to pay for much needed amenities such as new fire stations, libraries, parks and community centres,” said Shari Lichterman, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “These funding tools also support building roads, overpasses, bike lanes, trails and other necessary infrastructure.”
Development Charges By-law
A comprehensive Development Charges Background Study must be in place in order to update the City’s Development Charges By-law. It forecasts all of the development expected in the City and the capital projects needed to support this growth. The study outlines the proposed rates that will be included in the City’s updated Development Charges By-law.
Community Benefits Charge By-law
A Community Benefits Charge Strategy is required before the City can begin using this new funding tool. The strategy includes a forecast of high-density development in the City and the capital needs required to support this type of growth. It also identifies the proposed rate structure that will be included in the City’s new Community Benefits Charge By-law.
Both reports, prepared by City staff and Hemson Consulting with HDR and KSGS Engineering, have considered input received from industry stakeholders. The reports are available for public review. Comments on the Development Charges Background Study and Community Benefits Charge Strategy can be sent to shahada.khan@mississauga.ca.
Staff are continuing to work on the by-laws that govern these charges. The City’s proposed Development Charges By-law and proposed Community Benefits Charge By-law are planned to be released later this month for public comment. A statutory public meeting will take place in April 2022 to encourage additional public feedback.
Parkland Conveyance By-law
In addition, the City is also updating its Parkland Conveyance By-law based on development in Mississauga and recent changes to the Planning Act. This by-law ensures the City can acquire parkland and collect cash-in-lieu of parkland when development occurs. A report summarizing the approach and rationale being used to update this by-law is available for review and feedback.
To support the by-law, a Parks Plan, which updates the 2019 Future Directions Parks Master Plan, is being prepared to review city-wide parkland needs. The Parks Plan will be brought to Council for approval this month. The draft Parkland Conveyance By-law will come forward for approval in May 2022.
Learn more Mississauga’s growth funding tools.
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City of Mississauga Media Relations
media@mississauga.ca
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