What is a Capital Lot Levy?
A Capital Lot Levy is a fee collected from new developments to help fund the infrastructure and services required to support growth in our community. The Levy helps cover the costs associated with roads, water, sewer, and other essential services are shared fairly, allowing growth to pay for growth. Capital Lot Levies are required when a landowner has applied for subdivision. In 2024, the RM of Stanley decided to review their current levy.
Why Was the Levy Reviewed?
The RM of Stanley has not updated its Capital Lot Levy since 2013, and rates have not increased since 2008.
Over the past decade, our municipality has experienced significant growth while infrastructure costs have risen at rates much higher than consumer inflation.
To support new developments responsibly, the RM of Stanley engaged Exchange Chartered Professional Accountants LLP to conduct a comprehensive Capital Lot Levy review.
What Did the Review Find?
The review identified the growing costs of infrastructure and services necessary to support future development in Stanley, including:
- Roads and Bridges: Expanding and maintaining our transportation network.
- Water and Sewer Systems: Upgrading facilities to meet the demands of new developments.
- Recreational Spaces: Enhancing parks and community amenities for residents.
- Public Works: Scaling municipal services to keep pace with growth.
Why is the Levy Changing?
Updating the Levy allows growth-related costs to be distributed fairly among those who benefit from it. Without these updates, the financial burden of new infrastructure would fall disproportionately on existing residents through higher property taxes.
The updated Levy helps Stanley to:
- Keep pace with the rising demands of new development, particularly for critical infrastructure like roads and water systems.
- Plan for future infrastructure needs in areas experiencing the most growth.
- Build a dedicated reserve fund to address long-term development and infrastructure maintenance.
How Does This Benefit the Community?
The updated Capital Lot Levy benefits everyone by:
- Supporting Sustainable Growth: New developments contribute to the infrastructure and services they rely on, preventing strain on current systems.
- Protecting Existing Taxpayers: The Levy reduces reliance on property taxes to cover development-related costs by having growth pay for growth.
- Enhancing Community Services: Investments in roads, water, recreational spaces, and public works create a stronger, more livable community for all residents.
- Promoting Economic Development: By aligning infrastructure with growth, Stanley will become an even more attractive destination for businesses and families, fostering long-term economic development.
Moving Forward Together
The updated Levy supports Stanley as a great place to live, work, and grow. By fostering responsible development and strengthening our infrastructure, we are investing in the future of our community—one that is prepared to thrive for generations to come.
