WINNIPEG — The long-debated growth fees plan has passed but the development community said the fight isn’t over yet.
In a 10-6 vote Wednesday city councillors decided the new plan would go ahead, despite mounting opposition.
Immediately after members of the Urban Development Institute and the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association said they’re directing their legal counsel to see whether the city has the legal authority to implement the fees.
WATCH: Growth fees has become a contentious issue between Bowman, home builders and several city councillors. Criticisms of the prospective growth fee plan has included claims of it being being rushed and without a proper process of implementation
After several proposals, council agreed Wednesday the new growth fees plan would only involve suburban neighborhoods on the outer edges of the city.
Starting May 1, 2017, approximately $9,000 will be added to the cost any new home in those areas.
RELATED: Exclusive poll shows Winnipeggers divided on proposed growth fees
Mayor Brian Bowman and Councillor John Orlikow, chair of the Planning, Property and Development Committee, have maintained that “growth does not pay for growth” and believe there should be a fee applied to new developments to help pay for new infrastructure.
Dozens of developers spoke out ahead of the vote.
Qualico VP Eric Vogan said Wednesday new development does contribute to Winnipeg with “tens of millions of dollars” paid into new road systems.
RELATED: Executive Policy Committee to vote on growth fees plan
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