This report paints a picture of a review process that leaves both city and proponents unhappy – a process that has “significant communication/logistical and process management shortcomings.” In addition, the property tax payer is subsidizing the process to the tune of at least $4.3 million per year. This comes on top of the fact, as we see it, that Development Charges stay well short of covering off the cost of growth.
We expect to see prompt action in the 2009 Budget. Greater efficiency may reduce the cost to the City. But there should be full cost recovery.
Our one critical comment on the Audit report, and it is a fundamental one, is that the only stakeholders recognized and consulted are the development industry and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (which, we understand, acts as the commenting agency for all three CAs). We would like to remind the Auditor that other stakeholders in the process are neighbours, neighbourhood associations, other citizens and citizens’ groups. The Alliance, for one, has participated in the approval process of numerous development proposals over the years. We would have been happy to give the Auditor some feedback on how the development process has worked from our perspective.
In future audits of the development process, these stakeholders should not be overlooked.