Building a house in Windsor is about to get more expensive.
Council voted unanimously to increase development charges for a single family home at a public meeting Monday night.
The rate is expected to increase from its current level of about $18,300 to about $26,900.
The increase would take place over a five-year period, and only if growth projections are reached.
Developers spoke out against the increase saying builders will choose to develop outside the city where rates are cheaper.
They warn any new costs will be passed along to the buyer and argue this decision will stop development in its tracks.
Administration replied that growth should pay for the growing infrastructure needs, and not existing taxpayers.
Councillor Rino Bortolin says residential growth isn’t necessarily needed as there’s an existing housing stock with a stable population.
“The population today is the same it was 30-40 years ago, yet we have 30-40 per cent more homes infrastructure roads and sewers to pay for, so growth, and development isn't always good and needed."
Council still needs to make the new charge official at its next meeting.
If that happens an initial $2,000 increase will take effect June 1st.
