Rocky View County (RVC) will be holding an open house on November 2 to give residents a chance to provide feedback on a new proposed off-site soft services levy.
The proposed levy would be charged by the municipality to developers to help fund the future costs of “soft services” the community will need. The levy is intended in particular to help make up some of the estimated $190 million in potential recreation and fire service infrastructure costs over the County will have to bear over the next decade, for construction of things such as fire halls and recreational facilities.
According to Byron Reimann, executive director of operations for RVC, the proposed levy would only be applied to new developments if enacted by council.
“It is not charged to any existing or current residents,” he explained. “It’s a levy, and just like any levy it is always assessed against new development or forms of subdivision. That is consistent throughout all of our levies the County currently has. It’s never a focus to levy or create any sort of extra levy collection from existing levies.”
Reimann also explained the new levy, if adopted, would apply to current developments which undergo expansion after the levy comes into effect.
“Existing businesses and existing residences, if they come back and do any sort of form of development or redevelopment of land on bigger lands, then obviously the (new) levy would apply as well,” he confirmed.
Reimann wanted to encourage residents to come out to the County Hall to have their say on Nov. 2. The open house commences at 6 p.m.
Those wanting more information can view engage.rockyview.ca.
Reimann hoped many would come out to help collect feedback for council, which in turn will help councillors make the best decisions on what to do about the County’s infrastructure costing going forward.
“We want to encourage people to come, listen, and see the information, and we are hoping to have a good showing,” he said.
Reimann stated RVC administration hoped to bring the first draft of the proposed off-site soft services levy bylaw to council before the end of the year.
