The Quinte Homebuilders Association is calling on Belleville to reconsider the extent of a proposed increase in development charges, indicating a need to “keep things affordable” in the city.
Homebuilders Association President Jon Van Huizen appeared before city council Monday night following a presentation by a consultant updating the city’s development charges, which must be updated every five years.
Van Huizen said, “Right now the housing market is very difficult.”
He pointed out, “The rising cost of housing affects everybody in a year of unprecedented change and uncertainty…The proposed 120% hike in January, 2021 would mean an extra $16,000 on the price of a house.”
Van Huizen was commenting on the consultant’s report to council on the proposed increases.
Peter Simcisko of Watson & Associates Economists Limited indicated the increase would mean a significant charge increase on the construction of a single home.
“The current (development) charge for a single detached home is $12,727. It will increase by $14,477 to $28,474,”
Van Huizen said the Homebuilders had been given less than a month to consider that report.
The Homebuilders have agreed to come back to council with a full reply to the consultant’s report on January 11.
