11 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, July 2, 2009 Critics say higher fees will discourage development Continued from page 8 Treasurer Patti Elliott-Spencer noted this was unlikely. "The charges as we've calculated are not out of line with the charges in other municipalities," said Elliott-Spencer. "Basically a development charge is just one item somebody is going to consider when they are deciding whether to proceed with a development." In a delegation representing Mattamy Development Corporation, Lyn Townsend called on the Town to reduce the development charges because at the end of the day it is not the developer who pays them. "The homebuyer pays the development charges. It's added to the price of a home just like all government-imposed charges," she said. "The homebuyer pays the development charges. It's added to the price of a home just like all government imposed charges." Lyn Townsend, spokesperson for Mattamy Development Corporation "The development charge affects the price of a house. It will have an effect on the price of a house in recession and the impact on house sales impacts jobs. It is a simple link. People who have jobs are taxpayers, so increasing development charges negatively impacts jobs and jobs contribute to the economy." Oakville Chamber of Commerce Director Mark Brown also voiced concern about the proposed development charges, noting devel- opment charges can be a tool to encourage investment in Oakville, but for this to happen they need to be competitive with those of municipalities across the province and not just those in the GTA. "Land in the GTA and Oakville, in particular, is not cheap. Outside the GTA and Greenbelt, land can be acquired for business investment with many of the same amenities as Oakville, such as access transportation, skilled labour and a high quality of life, for considerably less than Oakville," said Brown. "When businesses look at locations for their operations, they consider all these factors in making their choice and if they look at Oakville and the proposed rates are approved we are going to be on the high side of the ledger." Town staff will be meeting with developers to hear concerns and examine the possibility "Outside the GTA and Greenbelt, land can be acquired for business investment with many of the same amenities as Oakville, such as access transportation, skilled labour and a high quality of life, for considerably less than Oakville." Mark Brown, Oakville Chamber of Commerce Director of the development charges being lowered. The results of these consultations will be presented to council during a council meeting on Monday, Aug. 10. Alterations to the Town's Development Charge Bylaw are being considered as the Town's current bylaw will expire on Aug. 31. HOPEDALE MALL Joe's Friendly Neighbourhood Hardware Store HARDWARE... and a whole lot more! SUMMER SPECIAL FOR KIDS Bring in your passing report card, and receive your second game for FREE. (valid to August 31st). Why not join a Fall League? Something for everyone - kids (aged 3 to 18) Men, Ladies, Seniors, Adult Mixed. We have at least 1 league playing every day of the week - afternoons and evenings available 50 Years / 1 Location / Hopedale Mall Thanks Oakville for Choosing us the #1 Winner in Bowling Chinese Cuisine Book Your Father's Day Dinner Now! OPEN SINCE 1995 BRONTE QUALITY ALWAYS COMES FIRST Come in and experience the"old-fashioned" hardware store service and selection. * Fine Dining * Take Out * Delivery for delivery areas) (See website * We Cater Special Events & Functions 1515 REBECCA ST., OAKVILLE Near new mall entrance by Zellers · Own entrance at the front of the restaurant Restaurant is open even after the mall is closed To Hamilton QEW Bronte Road (905) 847-1 71 hopedalehardware.701.com 1 www.hopedalebowl.ca · hopedalebowl@bowlontario.ca 905-827-7073 · www.brontechinesecuisine.com Lakeshore Rd. El Spero GREA R OVER 36 YEARS! ll Day Breakfast! A Thank You Oakville for Voting Us "Best Br eakfast" & "Seniors Favourite" Restaurant Join us Saturday evening PRIME ROAST BEEF WITH YORKSHIRE PUDDING served with soup or salad, p potatoes, vegetable Huge selection of party supplies Helium balloons & bouquets available Huge selection of seasonal items OPEN SUNDAYS Special Kids' Menu Breakfast . Lunch . Dinner $ 15.99 Located in the More than you would believe... for less than you would expect! We Accept s r r TM HOPEDALE MALL 1515 Rebecca St. Oakville 905.827.4851 Mon.- Fri. 8am- 9pm, Sat. 8am-8pm, Sunday 8:30am-3pm Hopedale Mall 1515 Rebecca St. 905.827.6837 Upper Oakville Shopping Centre 1011 Upper Middle Rd. East 905.842.1011 Fourth Line Third Line Hopedale Mall Rebecca & Third Line (905) 827-4281 Rebecca