City council approved an offsite levy bylaw Dec. 17.
Developers will now pay an average of $73,854 per acre for levies and recreation contributions to help pay for necessary infrastructure, such as roads, water and sewer in new neighbourhoods.
That number is up by about 18 per cent, from an average of $62,000 per acre more than what the City previously charged developers.
The City maintained the voluntary recreation contribution, which helps pay for community and recreation facilities, such as libraries, fire departments, arenas and Genesis Place, at $9,600 per acre.
Staff originally proposed a 27 per cent hike in developer levies to $78,800 per acre, but council tabled the bylaw to allow more discussion with stakeholders after several developers spoke against the bylaw during a public input session, Nov. 5. The bylaw was tabled again Dec. 4 when Alderman Allan Hunter voted against permission for third ready, stalling the decision.
Concerns outlined by developers over the bylaw included fair allocation of costs, erosion of Airdrie’s competitive advantage, the potential impact of proposed Calgary water/wastewater acreage assessments, the issue of a proposed public facilities contribution and implementation timing.
According to staff, Airdrie began discussions with the industry regarding the off-site levies a year ago.
The City’s position, spelled out in the Airdrie City Plan, is growth must pay for itself.
The City last reviewed off-site levies in 2010.
At that time, levies were set at about $60,000 per acre and reset to about $62,000 to follow inflation in 2011. Rates did not increase in 2012.
The City of Calgary recently adopted levies and development charges in the range of $129,000 per acre.
According to Lorne Stevens, Airdrie’s director of community infrastructure, the average levies and recreation contributions will increase from $7,800 to $9,200 per lot.
Age-in-place facility
Council gave first reading to a proposed assisted-living facility to be located in Luxstone, Dec. 17.
The City received an application from the owner of Luxstone Manor, located at 2014 Luxstone Blvd., to expand the facility’s existing 92 independent living units to include an additional 137 nursing care units, for those who need help with day-to-day tasks such as eating and dressing.
If approved, the applicant could create an age-in-place facility for seniors with a total of 230 living units, which includes one for guests. The proposed site will include 91 parking stalls.
