WOODED AREA IN BRIDLEWOOD TO BE PROTECTED

To protect it from development, the City is proposing to acquire environmentally significant land on Stonehaven beside Deevy Pines Park (where the Eva James Memorial Community Centre is located).

In the report on Urban Natural Features the land is described as having a high ecological value. The site includes several rare species of plants and animals. Almost all of the plants and trees on the land are native to Eastern Ontario – which is becoming less common.

The land is also the last natural area in the centre of Bridlewood. Because it is beside to the Deevy Pines Park, Bridlewood residents already have a chance to enjoy the area. In fact, many people have probably assumed that the land is part of the park.

If the land is not purchased by the City, it will be developed. For many years the land has been zoned for high density residential development.

By the time you read this, the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee will hopefully have approved purchasing the land (they are meeting on March 3). Provided all goes well, the report will go to the next meeting of council.

Where there has been disagreement between the land owner (Urbandale) and the City is how much the land should cost. If an agreement cannot be reached, there is a process for resolving the issue.

CORRECTION TO LAST WEEK’S COLUMN

In last week’s column, I stated that the due date for the final instalment of property taxes is June 30. The date should be June 18. The interim property tax payment is due March 30.

DEVELOPMENT CHARGES REVIEW AFFECTS COST OF GROWTH FOR TAXPAYERS

The review of development charges that is being conducted right now will determine how much of the cost of growth will be paid through property taxes. Every five years, municipalities are required to review their development charge by-law. The current by-law expires in July of this year.

Among the issues to be resolved are the infrastructure it is expected the City will need, exemptions to development charges and the phase-in period. Decisions on all three issues have the potential to increase costs for taxpayers.

Development charges are on new construction to help cover the cost of growth. The intent is that, as much as possible, growth should pay its way.

Provincial restrictions on what can be included in development charges mean that it is not possible for development charges to cover the cost of growth. For example, we know that growth means that we will need major improvements to our rapid transit system, particularly downtown. However, provincial legislation severely limits how much of this can be covered through development charges.

But decisions on things like the projects to be included, exemptions to the by-law and the phase-in period are all made by Council and all affect the cost of growth for taxpayers. These costs are significant. For example, the six month transition period that council approved in 2004 cost $8 million that had to be made up from property taxes.

WORKING FULL-TIME FOR KANATA SOUTH

I appreciate the chance to hear from you about issues affecting our community. You can reach me at 580-2752 (office), 580-2762 (fax), www.feltmateforkanata.com or peggy.feltmate@ottawa.ca