Whereas Section 506 and Section 506.03 of the Local Government Act enable a local government to regulate and require the provision of works and services in respect to the development of land; And whereas there is no mechanism currently in the Local Government Act to allow for local governments to accept payment of money in lieu of the provision of works and services, unlike in other circumstances in the Local Government Act: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate for the provincial government to amend the Local Government Act to allow for the payment of money in lieu of works and services in respect to the development of land being established through subdivisions and building permits, enabling local governments to pool funding for more impactful projects which could benefit a broader area and better assist in achieving community goals for safety, connectivity or transportation management.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs The Province recognizes the important role that works and services authorities play in ensuring that local governments can continue to develop complete communities with high quality public spaces alongside new housing and other development. Sections 506 and 506.03 of the Local Government Act are intended to enable local governments to require developers to construct or provide specific works and services that are directly related to a proposed subdivision or development. In Spring 2024, as part of a suite of new and expanded tools to support proactive planning, the Province updated these authorities to allow local governments to require a broader range of works and services in a wider range of circumstances. The Province acknowledges local government interest in greater flexibility to support the delivery works and services and will continue to monitor the expanded authorities to ensure they are working as intended and to consider future opportunities to improve clarity and flexibility within the legislative framework.