On March 1, council passed second and third reading of Bylaw 947 2016: the Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw, which will increase business license fees and penalties for developers who break the rules.

In 2017, a resident will pay $125 per year for a business license, an increase of $25. Home-based business fees will be $125 to $150, an increase of $25 to $50. Non-residents operating home-based businesses out of “tourist” houses will also be paying $125 to $150, a $25 to $50 increase.

The returned cheque fee is also increasing from $20 to $35.

The Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw outlines the fees, rates and charges applicable to general municipal services.

These services include everything from the processing of documentation to transportation and administration surcharges.

The amended bylaw includes widespread changes to fees contained in Schedules B and C. Schedule B is the fee schedule from the repealed Safety Codes Services Fees Bylaw. Schedule C is the fee schedule from the Land Use Bylaw

The Land Use Bylaw Fee Schedule contains new and significant penalties for developers who break the rules.

The penalty fee for starting work without a permit has been increased. The applicant will be made to pay triple the base and waiver fee for the project. If the project starts without a Development Permit, safety code permit fees will be doubled for the entire project. A leniency period until May 31, 2016 has been granted to apply for a permit on any work that has occurred without a permit.

On March 1, council amended the bylaw to make it even harsher for developers doing multiple projects, doubling the penalties for individuals who’ve broken the rules in the prior 24 months.