To fund major infrastructure work required to maintain water services, the Municipality of Chelsea wishes to adopt a by-law on development charges. The municipal council adopted a draft by-law to this effect at last night's special meeting.
The new by-law will help fund upgrades to wastewater sludge treatment equipment and the expansion of the wastewater and drinking water treatment plant in the urban perimeter sector. Adoption of the by-law, which is based on the user-pays principle, is scheduled for June.
A fee will be charged on all applications for permits to build new residential buildings or renovate existing ones, where the addition of a dwelling or bedroom to the property will require an increase in the number of water units available to the property. The Municipality expects to raise an estimated $24 million over the next seven years.
" The financial resources of municipalities are limited and the challenges numerous. It is therefore essential to diversify our sources of revenue in order to reduce the pressure on current taxpayers. This by-law aims to ensure that growth pays for growth, by establishing a more equitable sharing of costs between present and future taxpayers. ," said Chelsea Mayor Pierre Guénard.
As part of its strategic vision, the Municipality of Chelsea wishes to plan and manage moderate, thoughtful and progressive development of its centre-village. This is essential to ensuring the continuity of municipal services.
The draft by-law provides for a few exceptions, notably for the construction of public service buildings (CPE, CHSLD, etc.).
