The Town of Sylvan Lake council has decided to postpone giving the Off-Site Levy Bylaw third reading until the April 22 council meeting.
An Off-Site Bylaw is a way for the municipality to make sure that the costs of new developments are shared fairly among developers and the community.
“It helps pay for things like roads, water, sanitary and stormwater that is needed for new developments,” Mayor Megan Hanson said.
The Off-Site Levy Bylaw is there to make sure that growth benefits the whole community and that costs are paid by those who benefit from the new development, she added.
“It helps make sure that the community can grow in a responsible and sustainable way without putting too much financial burden on existing residents.”
Municipalities are also required to update the bylaw on an annual basis.
Council decided to postpone giving the bylaw its final reading during the March 11 council meeting and requested administration provide further background information.
Postponing making the final decision was necessary, Hanson said.
“Council decided to delay giving the bylaw its final reading in order to give administration enough time to answer the questions raised during the public hearing.”
Looking into the concerns of the developer who spoke during the public hearing, who was opposed to the bylaw, about specific projects that were either added or removed from the list of planned work is important to do before giving the third reading, she added.
“This way, the council can make sure they have all the information they need before making a final decision on the bylaw.”