Citing the stress to its staff and time, the Town of Hanna council increased its development permit fees, especially when it comes to renewable energy developments. The resolution to adopt a new development permit fee structure was passed at the Dec. 10 regular meeting of council.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Matthew Norburn presented councillors with proposed changes to the fees charged by the Town of Hanna for development permits; the development permit is required for a number of reasons, primarily to ensure new or existing projects meet the bylaws and policies of the municipality.
“The Town of Hanna has reviewed and updated its development permit fee structure to better align with the costs associated with development projects, particularly those involving renewable energy and large-scale infrastructure,” stated Norburn’s memo to council.
“The proposed fee structure is as follows: General development (cost under $1,000,000): $20, general development (cost $1,000,000 and higher): $100, solar power plant: $1,000 per acre, energy storage facility: $1,000 per unit and wind power facility: $160,000 per tower.
“These changes reflect the administration’s effort to create a fee structure that adequately supports the Town’s regulatory framework and ensures equity among various types of developments.”
During discussion Norburn stated staff was strongly recommending council approves the higher rates to recover costs the Town of Hanna expects based on previous experiences. Among the expenses, the CAO noted, were legal fees.
“The main thing that you’re going to notice is the solar,” said Norburn to council. He pointed out that town staff, while developing the proposed new development permit fees, used the Town of Killam’s fee structure as a starting point.
The $1,000 per acre development permit fee for solar developments was the same as Killam’s and, said Norburn, “…seemed sensible.”
In a separate part of the meeting the CAO noted in his regular report dated Dec. 10 to council that the town has been meeting with lawyers related to a large solar farm application that’s partially located within the Town of Hanna boundary.
The CAO’s regular report stated, “Several meetings have been held with legal counsel regarding the proposed solar project within the Town of Hanna. We continue to evaluate and address the potential impacts, with legal guidance helping to ensure the Town’s interests are well represented.”
While solar projects are obviously affecting the Town of Hanna wind farms so far are not, and though staff felt it important to include them in proposed changes the CAO stated he’s not expecting any wind farm applications soon. “We know it’s unlikely,” said Norburn.
Coun. Sandra Beaudoin, examining the proposed fee of $160,000 per tower for wind farms, noted that no wind farm size was listed and asked if “smaller” developments would be covered by this. The CAO answered yes, it would for example if a business wanted a wind turbine.
But Coun. Kyle Olsen poured cold water on that idea anyway, noting wind turbines in Town of Hanna limits aren’t permitted under the municipal land-use bylaw (LUB).
Councillors unanimously approved the revised development permit fee structure, which came into effect immediately.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
