North Perth Considers Increase in Fees for 2024, Raises Concerns Over Doubling Charges for Official Plan Amendments

Elma Ward Coun. Allan Rothwell questions the significant increase in planning charges set in the new fees and charges bylaw for North Perth’s 2024 calendar year. The fees associated with a Perth County and a Listowel Ward Official Plan amendment have seen a staggering 99.31 percent increase, prompting Rothwell to inquire about the rationale behind the hike. The explanation provided by North Perth Clerk Sarah Carter is that the fees were reevaluated based on a recent fee study conducted by Perth County, which recommended aligning each municipality’s fees with the county. North Perth CAO Kriss Snell also clarified that the hope is to see fewer Official Plan amendments in the future once the new official plan is passed. Despite understanding the need for consistency with the county’s fees, Rothwell expressed his surprise at the doubling of fees from their initial establishment a few years ago, emphasizing that a cost recovery basis was expected. He proposed a multi-fee approach that would consider the size and complexity of applications. Mayor Todd Kasenberg acknowledged Rothwell’s suggestion and promised to bring it up with Perth County. The approved bylaw sets the new fees and charges for North Perth and will come into effect on January 1, 2024.