The Town of Gravenhurst submitted an application to participate in the province’s Development Charge Reduction Program.
During the Sept. 15 council committee meeting, Wayne Campbell, Director of Financial Services, presented a report outlining the benefits the Town could receive if its application is approved.
The Development Charge Reduction Program was announced on June 1 as part of the $8.8-billion Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build agreement to help accelerate home construction and improve housing affordability.
The report states that by participating in the program, the Town will receive provincial funding for growth-related capital projects in exchange for reducing residential development charges by 30 per cent for at least three years.
To participate in the program, Campbell said the Town submitted an application to enter into an agreement with the province and proposed projects that meet the program’s funding criteria.
According to Campbell, the town’s application includes five proposed projects. Those projects include: the rehabilitation and reconstruction of James Street, Loon Lake Road, and Peninsula Road; the construction of a sidewalk along Bethune Drive from Bishop Street to Winewood Avenue; the full replacement of Docks A, B, C, D and E at the Wharf, including new shore power and lighting; a new playground at Muskoka Bay Park, and rebuilding Fire Station 2 in Kilworthy.
If approved by the province, the Town could reduce development charges by 30 per cent for eligible residential units, including singles, semis and duplexes, rows and other multiples, apartments with two or more sleeping areas, and apartments with fewer than two sleeping areas.
Town staff said they will report back to the committee once the province has made a decision on the application and the administrative review has been completed.
