Barrie City Hall Discusses Traffic By-Law Amendment and Development Charge Study

During last week's general committee meeting at Barrie City Hall, two key topics were addressed: amendments to Traffic By-law 2020 and the adoption of the Development Charge Background Study and bylaw. 

    
**Traffic By-Law Amendment -** 

Accelerating vehicles in neighborhood zones pose significant safety risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. To mitigate these risks, the city of Barrie has implemented a range of traffic calming measures aimed at reducing vehicular speeds, thereby enhancing both safety and the quality of life in residential areas. These measures include the installation of speed cushions and street planters.

Nevertheless, the presence of parked vehicles near these measures can inadvertently narrow the lane widths, potentially leading to hazardous traffic situations. In response to this concern, the Development Services Department staff suggested an amendment to Traffic By-law 2020-107, Section 4, "Parking Prohibited," Sub-Section 4.2 "In Specified Places Where Signs on Display." This amendment would introduce a clause prohibiting parking within a 50-meter radius of any traffic calming feature. 

The proposed amendment is intended to apply to both permanent and temporary traffic calming measures, thus resolving the issue of parking near these installations. It's important to note that temporary traffic calming elements such as collapsible bollards and street planters are typically installed from June through October annually.

To circumvent the need for continual amendments to the by-law with the introduction of each new traffic calming measure, staff recommended the inclusion of a General Provision clause. This would facilitate the regulation of parking near these measures more efficiently. 

The proposed amendment underwent review and did not face any opposition from the Barrie Police Service, Barrie Fire and Emergency Service, and the Municipal Law Enforcement Staff. Additionally, no adverse environmental or climate change impacts were identified in relation to this recommendation.

Despite the aforementioned precautions and considerations, the city council unanimously voted against the adoption of these proposed changes.

**Development Charge Background Study and By-law -**   

Development charges (DCs) are employed to recoup the capital expenses tied to residential and non-residential growth within a municipality. The intention behind DCs is to lay the financial responsibility on developers, thereby sparing existing residents from carrying the additional cost burden.

Yet, DCs often find their way into the final price tag of properties, impacting homebuyers.

The Ontario government's Bill 23, the 'More Homes Built Faster Act of 2022, has altered the DCs landscape. The legislation provides exemptions for DCs when building affordable and attainable residential units, non-profit housing developments, and inclusionary zoning residential units. 

Hemson Consulting, leading a study on DCs for the City of Barrie, has recommended an uptick in these charges. For instance, within the city's previous boundaries, the study indicated that DCs on single-detached homes would rise from $87,281 to $89,499 this year, a jump of 2.5 per cent. Furthermore, these charges are forecasted to climb to $111,874 by 2027.  

Ward 9 Coucillor Sergio Morales put an amendment to defer adopting Development Charge Background Study and bylaw until Sep 13 affordability committee meeting. He said this time will allow the council to understand the impact increase in development charges. 

However, Craig Millar, City’s Chief Financial Officer warned the financial impact of delaying the development charges. In the end, Morales withdrew his deferral motion. 

The council elected to advance the study and associated by-law to the City Council for further approval. However, Morales and the representative from Ward 10, Councillor Hamilton, expressed opposition to this decision.

For detailed coverage of the meeting, refer to the time stamps in the video description to navigate to the relevant sections.

Timestamps - 

0:00 Intro

0:01:30 Consent Agenda

0:02:00 Advisory Committee Reports

0:07:00 Staff Report

0:15:00 Traffic By-Law Amendment

0:36:00 Development Charge Background Study and By-law