A member of Mayor Brian Bowman’s inner circle is questioning the consultation process over new growth fees.
In a blog post, Infrastructure Chair and St. Norbert City Councillor Janice Lukes took issue with the city’s actions relating to the development industry.
“From discussions I’ve been having with stakeholders and the public service, I have serious concerns about the process Winnipeg is taking to implement any kind of new development/growth fee,” Lukes writes in her blog.
Lukes questioned whether the city has fairly consulted the development industry and if Winnipeg can legally introduce the fees.
A report on the concept is due at City Hall this week and councillors could be briefed as early as Thursday. The development community said the process has been rushed and is worried this could increase the cost of a new home by $30,000.
Mayor Brian Bowman has argued other cities in Canada have a similar fee and that our growing city is not paying the full costs of roads, sewers and recreational facilities.
"I know there are going to be different views, as there are different views on something like this. I'll just point out that other municipalities surrounding Winnipeg and every major city in Canada has a mechanism to pay for growth,” Bowman said.
