The North Bay and District Homebuilders Association is concerned over development charges. That’s the fee City Hall charges developers. Spokesman Rick Miller says consumers tell the builders it’s cheaper to build in outlying communities because they don’t have development charges. However councillor Dave Mendicino believes another factor is because land is cheaper outside North Bay. Development charges are going up just under one percent this year. But Miller says that, plus an automatic annual increase of just under $1,000 puts the charge at $9,814. Meanwhile, a member of the North Bay Taxpayers Association has a suggestion for city council when charging homebuilders development fees. Miles Peters says cut the charge temporarily by one third. He believes saving developers nearly $3,300 would spur housing growth. Building permits have dropped in the city and staff didn’t know if development charges were a factor when asked by councillor Mark King.
