Greater Napanee is considering whether to apply for new provincial funding aimed at speeding up housing construction, but council says the tight timeline and financial risks make the decision difficult.
At their June 9 council meeting at South Fredericksburgh Hall, councillors directed staff to prepare draft materials for Ontario’s Development Charge Reduction Program. A special meeting is set for June 17, just two days before the June 19 application deadline.
The program would provide infrastructure funding if municipalities cut residential development charges by at least 30 per cent for three years. Those charges help pay for roads, water and sewer systems needed for new homes.
Staff said the program could unlock major funding for housing projects but warned the town could still face costs, including overruns, and risk funding projects that do not lead to expected growth.
General manager of growth and infrastructure Michael Nobes said the timeline is tight but feasible. He also said missing the program could mean losing significant support for growth-related infrastructure.
Council voted unanimously to continue preparing the application while reviewing risks ahead of the final decision.
