The City of St. Catharines approved a Community Benefits Charges By-law at its July 18, 2022 meeting and community Benefits Charges Strategy at its June 27, 2022 meeting. Please see the Community Benefits Charges press release for information.
Council approved the decision after the City engaged Watson & Associates Economics Ltd. to undertake an in-depth Community Benefits Charges Strategy, followed by engagement with the community and stakeholders include the development industry and the City's Development Studies task force. The community benefits charges by-law will come into effect September 1, 2022.
What are community benefits charges?
The community benefits charge is a new financing tool under the Planning Act, which the City will implement on September 1, 2022, that will help fund growth-related capital costs not covered by other charges such as the existing development charges. This charge will apply to the construction or redevelopment of buildings with five or more storeys and 10 or more residential units. Eligible developments or redevelopments would be charged a community benefit charge rate of four per cent based on the land appraisal of the project.
When do you pay community benefits charges?
Eligible developments or redevelopments that are five or more storeys and 10 or more residential units will be charged the community benefit charges of 4 per cent based on the land appraisal of the project, calculated, payable, and collected upon issuance of a building permit.
The by-law applies to all lands located within the Municipality of the City of St. Catharines.
If you are planning a construction project, you must consult with your local building official to apply for a building permit. You will pay community benefits charges to the local municipality as part of the building permit fee process.
Grant Program
The City has has implemented an Affordable Housing Community Benefits Charges Grant Program for affordable housing developments. Please review the specifications of the Affordable Housing Community Benefits Charges Grant Program to see if your development is eligible. For more information email dc@stcatharines.ca.