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Slowed Growth Affecting Offsite Levy; Growth Principles as Interim Tool

Feb 1, 2016 | 3:36 PM

LETHBRIDGE – City Council learned about the current state of Lethbridge’s Offsite Levy and community growth decisions.

In simpler terms, the levy provides funding to land developers for infrastructure (like water, sanitary and storm lines) for future growth in serviced lots. Without the levy, developers wouldn’t be able to start new neighborhoods or extend services because they can’t afford the upfront cost.

Since growth has been slower than projected in 2012, the city is currently seeing a deficit in the account balance of approximately $11.5-million. This means the city will have to look at ways to increase revenues. 

Urban Construction Manager, Byron Buzunis, explains that growth isn’t where they expected it to be, and it’s taking a toll.

“In 2012, we came forward with a growth forecast that was more optimistic than what actually happened. As a result, we are short some money in the account. So, we’ve had to make some changes in terms of the timing of projects, the way we estimate projects and the scope of the projects. We’ve done all of those things to make up for the land that wasn’t developed over the last four years.”

Furthermore, Community Planner, Andrew Malcolm, presented the proposed Community Growth Principles.

If approved by council, the principles would be put in place until the 2019 update to the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan / Municipal Development Plan.

Malcolm stated that there’s a significant lack of data at the moment to make informed growth decisions. Further data will be collected through the Efficient Land Use Strategy as part of the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan Compliance Initiative.

The principles take seven different criteria into consideration for growth decisions until the plans can be updated. Growth decisions through the principles could impact future decisions surrounding Outline Plans and efficient infrastructure investments.

Both parts of the presentation will be brought to council for an official decision and resolution at the end of this month.