Proposed development charges represent a "stunning increase" to one city councillor.
Bill Dennis, who has been a real estate broker in Sarnia for 25 years, said the city is already losing out on population growth to neighbouring municipalities.
"Face value of the rate changes is staggering," said Dennis. "But once you make a more accurate comparison of development charges plus specific local area changes, the increase will quite simply drive away development and we can not afford to do that."
It's recommended the current development charge rate of $7,973 per single detached home increases to $18,069 in most of the city and rise to $37,490 in the area of the city being developed east of Modeland Road, from London Line to just south of Confederation.
"In my calculations, that represents a 27 per cent increase for area one, and a 78 per cent increase or more for area two," said Dennis.
Dennis said he believes additional recreation, police, parking and public works charges should be excluded as in the past.
Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton has asked that their new home builds be exempt from the fees.
City council didn't make any decisions Monday.
A new bylaw will be presented to council for consideration May 27.
