Presentation re: Development Charges

The mandate of the Windsor & District Chamber of Commerce is to foster an environment which allows Windsor and Essex County business to compete and prosper.

The Chamber of Commerce represents over 1,200 business members who collectively employ over 80,000 employees in the Windsor/Essex county area.

The Chamber recognizes that a thriving business sector contributes to the quality of life.  Foundations for quality of life are founded on a strong economy.  We therefore urge council to carefully consider the impact of implementing maximum rate charges to finance growth related infrastructure costs.

While the Chamber does not disagree with development charges being increased, it is important that the rates remain reasonable.  The proposed recommendations of dramatic increases to the rates are not reasonable and will have a negative impact on the economy as a whole.

Industrial and commercial development must be encouraged.  Both benefit the whole community for many years in the future through taxes and job creation. 

Job creation means reasonably-priced houses need to be available to support residential growth. New homeowners contribute significantly to a local economy purchasing everything from paint supplies and wall decor to new furniture and driveways.  Simply put, new tenants and new homeowners absorbing these charges will have less disposable income to spend on other areas of the economy.

Tonight I urge you to tread carefully in your decision and its impact on the economy within your own community and Essex County as a whole.