Public Hearing - Tuesday, November 5th, 6:00pm, City Council Chambers
Below is a draft of a letter of concern. Note: Letters of Concern must be submitted by email or in-person by 4:00pm, November 4th.
[Your name]
[Address]
West Kelowna, BC, [Postal Code]
City of West Kelowna
3731 Old Okanagan Highway
West Kelowna, BC, V4T 0G7
Attn: Corporate Officer, File Number (P 22-08)
Dear Mayor Milsom and City Council,
Re: Density Bonusing Program
I strongly believe “developers should pay for development”.
As our city grows and develops the need for infrastructure, amenities and services grow. Real estate developers should be expected to pay their fair share in funding these improvements.
According to the City of West Kelowna’s Official Community Plan, developers who receive approval to build additional stories (above current zoning allowances) would be required to contribute a percentage of the added property value to the city under the Density Bonusing Program.
The city needs to find a balance between encouraging development and establishing fair contributions from developers. Higher density requires improvements to infrastructure, amenities and public services, and should be fairly funded by the developers benefiting from the increased value.
Urban Systems Ltd, a professional consulting firm hired by the city, recommended the city receive a 50% share of the “Value added”. The report suggests that a 50% contribution would be a fair balance and is consistent with the range many other municipalities receive.
The Urban Development Institution (UDI), representing developers, recommended the city receive a 10% share or eliminate the share completely resulting in no profit sharing.
As a resident, it concerns me that the City of West Kelowna would dismiss their consulting firm’s recommendation of 50% in favour of a development institution’s recommendation of 10%. The city could lose millions of dollars in development contributions with the lower rate.
It has been stated by mayor and council on several occasions, as a relatively new municipality, there is very limited capital reserve to address deficiencies in our infrastructure and services. Approving anything less than a 50% share of the “value added” profit of the developer would be a step in the wrong direction.
Sincerely,
[Name}
[Address]