NIAGARA FALLS, ON - The City of Niagara Falls is pleased to release its 2024 Development Charges Background Study. The City has engaged Hemson Consulting Ltd. to update its DC Background Study. The proposed Development Charges By-law(s) will follow prior to the public meeting scheduled for April 30, 2024. Staff plans to post the proposed DC By-Law by April 10, 2024.
Development Charges (DCs) are a tool available for municipalities to recover the cost of projects required to meet the increased need for services from growth and development. For example, if a new subdivision is built, the City will need new roads, new sewers, more fire trucks and more parks to serve these new families moving in. DCs help pay for these costs to ensure that the majority of the growth-related expenses are paid for by the growth itself.
Development charges are governed by the Development Charges Act, 1997 (DCA). The Development Charges Background Study is presented as part of the process to lead to the approval of a new DC by-law in compliance with the DCA. The DC Background Study outlines the methodology for calculating the rates, including a development forecast, historical service levels, and growth-related servicing needs (10-year capital program).
There has been a lot of work done by staff and consultants to inform the DC Background Study as presented:
- June 2023 – Project Kick-Off
- July 2023 – Prepare Draft Development Forecast
- July/August 2023 – Complete Historical Service Levels and Interview Staff
- Fall 2023 – Prepare DC Capital Program
- October 24, 2023 – Council Information Session
- November 1, 2023 – Development Industry Information Session #1
- February 27, 2024 – Draft DC Rates Presented to Council
- March 4, 2024 – Development Industry Information Session #2 (Draft DC Rates)
- March 28, 2024 – DC Background Study Released
- April 30, 2024 – Statutory Public Meeting
- May 28, 2024 – Anticipated DC By-Law Passage
The Let’s Talk Niagara Falls public engagement page for the DC Background Study will continue to be updated throughout this initiative. It will be the primary platform for information to be shared with stakeholders.
Any questions can be directed to James Dowling, Senior Manager of Capital Accounting, at [email protected].
For more information, contact:
James Dowling
Senior Manager of Capital Accounting
City of Niagara Falls
[email protected]
