2024 Development Charges Background Study

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Consultation has concluded

Update: June 12, 2024


The 2024 Development Charges Background Study was posted for public review and comment on April 12, 2024, with a public meeting following on May 8. 


On June 10, Oxford County issued an Addendum to the Background Study with the passing of Bill 185 - Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024, on June 6, 2024. This legislation includes a number of changes to the Development Charges Act. 

The purpose of the Addendum to the Background Study is to include development charge eligible costs for growth-related studies and reflect other changes in the Development Charges Act made through Bill 185, such as reducing the development charge “freeze” from 2-years to 18 months, removal of the statutory phase-in of the charge in new by-laws, and other housekeeping amendments.

Oxford County's updated development charges, policy and by-laws were passed by County Council on June 12, 2024. 


Have your say


The Oxford County 2024 Development Charges Background Study was posted for public review and comment from April 12 to May 17, 2024. Opportunities for the public to provide input included the following.

  • STAKEHOLDER MEETING. A special meeting for developers and related organizations took place March 18, 2024, to share the findings from the development charge review process and to provide input on the public meeting.

  • PUBLIC MEETING. The public meeting was held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. This was a hybrid (in-person and online) meeting as part of the regularly scheduled County Council meeting. Download the public notice | Accessible version

  • QUICK POLL. A "quick poll" was in place over the public consultation period to ask whether or not Oxford County should remove its current non-statutory exemption for industrial development charges. The June 12, 2024, report to Council recommended continuing the exemption.

  • ONLINE COMMENT FORM. A "Question and comment form" was provided for the public to submit feedback.

  • EMAIL: Direct comments from the public were accepted by the project contacts listed at right.



Posted June 26, 2023

See project updates
 


About the Background Study


Oxford County and seven local area municipalities are working together to update their development charge background studies to prepare to pass new development charge by-laws. 

  • Oxford County
  • Town of Ingersoll
  • Town of Tillsonburg
  • Township of Blandford-Blenheim
  • Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
  • Township of Norwich 
  • Township of South-West Oxford 
  • Township of Zorra

As part of this process, the municipalities are seeking feedback about the current development charges, policies, exemptions, by-law administration, and other matters. 


What are development charges?

Development charges are the fees paid by land developers to help finance the municipal infrastructure and services that are needed to support new growth in residential, commercial and industrial areas. 

Through development charges, municipalities are able to provide reliable and financially sustainable roads, water, wastewater, fire and ambulance, parks and more. 

Oxford County and Area Municipalities’ development charge by-laws will expire in mid-2024, requiring the background studies to be updated before new by-laws can be passed. A background study will include evidence of projected population and business or industry growth in a community; outline what services are needed to support that level of growth; and assess existing infrastructure. 

What's changing 

There have also been a number of legislative changes that have been brought about by the More Homes Built Faster Act (i.e., Bill 23) that will need to be reflected in the background studies and by-laws. Some of the main changes to the Development Charges Act brought about by Bill 23 include:

  • Non-profit housing is now exempt from the payment of development charges.
  • Rental housing development will now receive mandatory reductions to development charges based on the number of bedrooms in each unit.
  • Mandatory exemptions have been introduced for affordable, attainable and inclusionary zoning units.
  • Development charges must now be phased in over a 5-year period.

Download the 2024 Background Study Overview for more detailed information. 


Stakeholder and area municipal council meetings

DownloadOxford County hosted an online stakeholder meeting on March 18, 2024, for developers, businesses, and municipal and community partners to share findings from the development charge review (May 2023) and to receive input from this group. This session focused on the development charge by-law reviews for Oxford County, Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ingersoll, Norwich, South-West Oxford, Tillsonburg and Zorra. 

Download the presentation

Presentations to municipal councils also took place over March 2024. Download the presentation for each area municipality below. 


Update: June 12, 2024


The 2024 Development Charges Background Study was posted for public review and comment on April 12, 2024, with a public meeting following on May 8. 


On June 10, Oxford County issued an Addendum to the Background Study with the passing of Bill 185 - Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024, on June 6, 2024. This legislation includes a number of changes to the Development Charges Act. 

The purpose of the Addendum to the Background Study is to include development charge eligible costs for growth-related studies and reflect other changes in the Development Charges Act made through Bill 185, such as reducing the development charge “freeze” from 2-years to 18 months, removal of the statutory phase-in of the charge in new by-laws, and other housekeeping amendments.

Oxford County's updated development charges, policy and by-laws were passed by County Council on June 12, 2024. 


Have your say


The Oxford County 2024 Development Charges Background Study was posted for public review and comment from April 12 to May 17, 2024. Opportunities for the public to provide input included the following.

  • STAKEHOLDER MEETING. A special meeting for developers and related organizations took place March 18, 2024, to share the findings from the development charge review process and to provide input on the public meeting.

  • PUBLIC MEETING. The public meeting was held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. This was a hybrid (in-person and online) meeting as part of the regularly scheduled County Council meeting. Download the public notice | Accessible version

  • QUICK POLL. A "quick poll" was in place over the public consultation period to ask whether or not Oxford County should remove its current non-statutory exemption for industrial development charges. The June 12, 2024, report to Council recommended continuing the exemption.

  • ONLINE COMMENT FORM. A "Question and comment form" was provided for the public to submit feedback.

  • EMAIL: Direct comments from the public were accepted by the project contacts listed at right.



Posted June 26, 2023

See project updates
 


About the Background Study


Oxford County and seven local area municipalities are working together to update their development charge background studies to prepare to pass new development charge by-laws. 

  • Oxford County
  • Town of Ingersoll
  • Town of Tillsonburg
  • Township of Blandford-Blenheim
  • Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
  • Township of Norwich 
  • Township of South-West Oxford 
  • Township of Zorra

As part of this process, the municipalities are seeking feedback about the current development charges, policies, exemptions, by-law administration, and other matters. 


What are development charges?

Development charges are the fees paid by land developers to help finance the municipal infrastructure and services that are needed to support new growth in residential, commercial and industrial areas. 

Through development charges, municipalities are able to provide reliable and financially sustainable roads, water, wastewater, fire and ambulance, parks and more. 

Oxford County and Area Municipalities’ development charge by-laws will expire in mid-2024, requiring the background studies to be updated before new by-laws can be passed. A background study will include evidence of projected population and business or industry growth in a community; outline what services are needed to support that level of growth; and assess existing infrastructure. 

What's changing 

There have also been a number of legislative changes that have been brought about by the More Homes Built Faster Act (i.e., Bill 23) that will need to be reflected in the background studies and by-laws. Some of the main changes to the Development Charges Act brought about by Bill 23 include:

  • Non-profit housing is now exempt from the payment of development charges.
  • Rental housing development will now receive mandatory reductions to development charges based on the number of bedrooms in each unit.
  • Mandatory exemptions have been introduced for affordable, attainable and inclusionary zoning units.
  • Development charges must now be phased in over a 5-year period.

Download the 2024 Background Study Overview for more detailed information. 


Stakeholder and area municipal council meetings

DownloadOxford County hosted an online stakeholder meeting on March 18, 2024, for developers, businesses, and municipal and community partners to share findings from the development charge review (May 2023) and to receive input from this group. This session focused on the development charge by-law reviews for Oxford County, Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ingersoll, Norwich, South-West Oxford, Tillsonburg and Zorra. 

Download the presentation

Presentations to municipal councils also took place over March 2024. Download the presentation for each area municipality below. 


Consultation has concluded

  • Addendum to the 2024 Development Charge Background Study

    Share Addendum to the 2024 Development Charge Background Study on Facebook Share Addendum to the 2024 Development Charge Background Study on Twitter Share Addendum to the 2024 Development Charge Background Study on Linkedin Email Addendum to the 2024 Development Charge Background Study link

    Update: June 10, 2024


    The 2024 Development Charge Background Study was posted for public review and comment on April 12, 2024, with a public meeting following on May 8.


    On June 10, Oxford County issued an Addendum to the Background Study with the passing of Bill 185 - Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024, on June 6, 2024. This legislation includes a number of changes to the Development Charges Act.

    The purpose of the Addendum to the Background Study is to include development charge eligible costs for growth-related studies and reflect other changes in the Development Charges Act made through Bill 185, such as reducing the development charge “freeze” from 2-years to 18 months, removal of the statutory phase-in of the charge in new by-laws, and other housekeeping amendments.

    COMING UP: The 2024 Development Charge Background Study and updated development charge by-law is before County Council for approval on June 12, 2024. Read the Council report: CS 2024-17 - 2024 Development Charge Background Study

  • Public meeting and release of 2024 Development Charges Background Study

    Share Public meeting and release of 2024 Development Charges Background Study on Facebook Share Public meeting and release of 2024 Development Charges Background Study on Twitter Share Public meeting and release of 2024 Development Charges Background Study on Linkedin Email Public meeting and release of 2024 Development Charges Background Study link

    Update: April 11, 2024

    Oxford County and seven local area municipalities are working together to update their development charge background studies to prepare to pass new development charge by-laws.


    Public meeting and release of 2024 Development Charges Background Study


    A public meeting to present and receive public input on the 2024 Development Charges Background Study takes place on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.

    The public meeting will be a hybrid (in-person and online) meeting as part of the regularly scheduled County Council meeting. Council meetings begin at 9:30 a.m. and are broadcast online at www.oxfordcounty.ca/livestream.

    Please read the public notice for information on how to delegate (present) before County Council at this meeting.

    Please submit your comments on the Background Study by Friday, May 17, 2024.


    NEW: Quick poll on industrial development charges exemptions

    • Oxford County is considering removing industrial development charges exemptions as part of the 2024 Development Charges Background Study. Take our quick poll



    Update on stakeholder and area municipal council meetings

    Oxford County hosted an online stakeholder meeting on March 18, 2024, for developers, businesses, and municipal and community partners to share findings from the development charge review (May 2023) and to receive input from this group. This session focused on the development charge by-law reviews for Oxford County, Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ingersoll, Norwich, South-West Oxford, Tillsonburg and Zorra.

    Download the presentation

    Presentations to municipal councils also took place over March 2024. Download the presentation for each area municipality below.

  • Quick poll: Industrial development charges exemptions

    Share Quick poll: Industrial development charges exemptions on Facebook Share Quick poll: Industrial development charges exemptions on Twitter Share Quick poll: Industrial development charges exemptions on Linkedin Email Quick poll: Industrial development charges exemptions link

    Update: April 2, 2024

    Oxford County and seven local area municipalities are working together to update their development charge background studies to prepare to pass new development charge by-laws.


    What's new

    • Oxford County is considering removing industrial development charges exemptions as part of the 2024 Development Charges Background Study. Take our quick poll



    • DownloadOxford County hosted an online stakeholder meeting on March 18, 2024, for developers, businesses, and municipal and community partners to share findings from the development charge review (May 2023) and to receive input from this group. This session focused on the development charge by-law reviews for Oxford County, Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ingersoll, Norwich, South-West Oxford, Tillsonburg and Zorra.
      Download the presentation


    • Presentations to municipal councils also took place over March 2024. Download the presentation for each area municipality below.

  • Oxford County hosts stakeholder consultation session

    Share Oxford County hosts stakeholder consultation session on Facebook Share Oxford County hosts stakeholder consultation session on Twitter Share Oxford County hosts stakeholder consultation session on Linkedin Email Oxford County hosts stakeholder consultation session link

    March 28, 2024


    On March 18, Oxford County hosted an online stakeholder meeting for developers, businesses, and municipal and community partners to share findings from the development charge review (May 2023) and to receive input from this group. This session focused on the development charge by-law reviews for Oxford County, Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ingersoll, Norwich, South-West Oxford, Tillsonburg and Zorra.

    Download the presentation


    Presentations to municipal councils also took place over March. Download the presentation for each area municipality below.

    Township of Blandford-Blenheim
    		Township of South-West Oxford
    Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
    		 Town of Tillsonburg
    Town of Ingersoll
    		 Township of Zorra
    Township of Norwich
    		 Oxford County


    Oxford County is considering removing industrial development charges exemptions as part of the 2024 Development Charges Background Study. Take our quick poll

  • County Council receives update on background study

    Share County Council receives update on background study on Facebook Share County Council receives update on background study on Twitter Share County Council receives update on background study on Linkedin Email County Council receives update on background study link

    March 14, 2024

    On March 13, 2024, County Council received a report outlining next steps for the 2024 Development Charges Background Study, including public consultation plans.

    • A draft version of the Background Study will be posted for public review and comment by April 12, 2024.
    • A hybrid (in-person and online) public meeting will follow on May 8.
    • County Council will review an updated Background Study at a future meeting based on feedback received throughout the review process.

    Read the Council report: CS 2024-09 – Development Charges Study and Update - 2024

    		Watch it on County Council (1:38:50 mark)

  • About the 2024 Development Charges Background Study

    Share About the 2024 Development Charges Background Study on Facebook Share About the 2024 Development Charges Background Study on Twitter Share About the 2024 Development Charges Background Study on Linkedin Email About the 2024 Development Charges Background Study link

    June 26, 2023


    Oxford County and seven local area municipalities are working together to update their development charge background studies to prepare to pass new development charge by-laws.

    • Oxford County
    • Town of Ingersoll
    • Town of Tillsonburg
    • Township of Blandford-Blenheim
    • Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
    • Township of Norwich
    • Township of South-West Oxford
    • Township of Zorra

    As part of this process, the municipalities are seeking feedback about the current development charges, policies, exemptions, by-law administration, and other matters.


    What are development charges?

    Development charges are the fees paid by land developers to help finance the municipal infrastructure and services that are needed to support new growth in residential, commercial and industrial areas.

    Through development charges, municipalities are able to provide reliable and financially sustainable roads, water, wastewater, fire and ambulance, parks and more.

    Oxford County and Area Municipalities’ development charge by-laws will expire in mid-2024, requiring the background studies to be updated before new by-laws can be passed. A background study will include evidence of projected population and business or industry growth in a community; outline what services are needed to support that level of growth; and assess existing infrastructure.

    What's new

    There have also been a number of legislative changes that have been brought about by the More Homes Built Faster Act (i.e., Bill 23) that will need to be reflected in the background studies and by-laws. Some of the main changes to the Development Charges Act brought about by Bill 23 include:

    • Non-profit housing is now exempt from the payment of development charges.
    • Rental housing development will now receive mandatory reductions to development charges based on the number of bedrooms in each unit.
    • Mandatory exemptions have been introduced for affordable, attainable and inclusionary zoning units.
    • Development charges must now be phased in over a 5-year period.

    Download the 2024 Background Study Overview for more detailed information.

    How to have a say

    Comments and questions about the 2024 Background Study are welcome now. Please use the "Question and comment form" below or send your comment directly to the project contacts.

    As the new development charges background study and policies are drafted in the second phase of the consultation process, there will be a public meeting to explain the proposed changes and also more ways to provide input.

    Each of the municipalities will post a copy of the draft background study on their municipal website at least 60 days before a public meeting is held by each council to consider the new by-laws.

    See the timeline | Download the full Overview document