Building permit fee bump up for debate
By Chris Simon

A hike in building permit fees will soon be facing public scrutiny. The town will host a public meeting regarding a proposed five per cent increase in building permit fees March 12. The increase, if approved by council, is expected to generate $38,200 in additional revenues for the town, said treasurer Ian Goodfellow in a report to council.

With the increase, town building permit fees would be about average, when compared to other local municipalities, he said.

"Council expressed concerns about just how the higher rates would compare to neighbouring municipalities," said Goodfellow. "The proposed increase would place Innisfil's rates on or about the average rate of this peer group."

Of the six other municipalities surveyed, Clearview, King, Barrie and New Tecumseth all have fees that are equal to or higher than Innisfil's. Last year, the town generated nearly $758,000 in building permit fee revenue. An increase in planned construction would see that amount rise to about $823,000, without the five per cent hike.

"The proposed fee changes are designed to ensure that the cost of providing a particular service is recovered," said Goodfellow.

A report from Hemson Consulting has suggested town building permit fees could be increased by about 87.7 per cent. They have already been increased by about 10.25 per cent since the report was released.