2024 R37 – Development Cost Charges for Fire Protection Facilities

Whereas the provincial government has passed Bill 46 Housing Statutes (Development Financing) Amendment Act, 2023 amending Section 559, subsection (2)(a) of the Local Government Act to include “fire protection facilities” in the collection of Development Cost Charges (DCCs), but does not specifically define “fire protection facilities”;

And whereas many smaller local governments have a limited number of brick-and-mortar fire protection buildings, but a large number of other capital expenses related to fire protection, such as vehicles and equipment:

Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate with the Ministry of Housing and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs that “fire protection facilities” be specifically defined in the relevant documentation and/or legislation to include the purchase and maintenance of all capital items related to fire protection including, but not limited to, fire trucks, duty vehicles, hoses, breathing apparatuses, communications equipment and all other capital expenditures that may be required to equip and maintain fire protection services.