Assessing development cost charges
The city is assuring home builders and developers their industry won’t be charged an arm and leg for continuing to grow the city.
Speaking to the central Interior membership of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA-CI) Wednesday, the city’s chief administrative officer David Trawin said their interests are the no. 1 priority when it comes to assessing how development cost charges (DCCs) are spent.
DCCs are fees paid by developers to cover the cost development has on infrastructure.
“I think council recognizes they need to be frugal with not only taxpayer money but the money the home builders and the construction industry provide,” Trawin said. “What we need to do as a city is make sure it still stays reasonable.”
CHBA-CI president Matt McCurrach has stated lobbying the municipal government to keep DCCs down is a high priority for the association and the city can’t use them as a “cash cow.”
From 2010 to 2014, $39.7 million was collected in DCCs. Two-thirds came from the residential building sector.
It went toward 106 projects in the community worth of $197 million, of which $48 million was DCC money.
One project was the $7.3-million expansion of the waste water treatment plant.
In 1978, the DCC on a single-family residence was about $1,500. That number has climbed to $10,000.
The city will review DCC numbers this year, but Trawin said he doesn’t expect them to rise.
“I don’t perceive huge changes in that dollar figure,” Trawin said.
While commending the CHBA-CI’s 50th anniversary, Trawin noted changes the next 20, 30 and 40 years will bring in terms of how the community will build out.
Land is running out fast, he said, and many areas will see more infill.
“It’s very important this group continues,” Trawin said. “I think it’s very important that the membership continues and that your voice at city hall stays strong.”
Building loyalty
The CHBA-CI recognized longtime members for their dedication on Wednesday.
Milestone awards were given to members who have remained loyal to the association for five to 30 years. Bill Bilton of Best West Realty was recognized for 50 years of membership. Bilton is the only founding member remaining.
The Maple Leaf Award, presented to an outstanding member that is not a new home builder or renovator, went to Al Norgaard of Norgaard Ready Mix Ltd.
The Beaver Award, presented to an outstanding builder or renovator, went to Tom Calne of Fulcrum Realty.
The Handshake Award, presented to the builder or renovator who has worked with the most CHBA-CI members, went to A&T Project Developments Inc.
The Rooftopper Award, given to the member who sponsored the most new members over the past year, went to Rick Kurzak of Kamloops Home Hardware and Nick Esser of Rona Home Centre.
The Lifetime Community Builder Award, given to those who have exemplified outstanding dedication to the housing industry, was given to Enzo Lizzi of Excel Industries Ltd. and Kundan Bubbar, chief inspector for the City of Kamloops.
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