At the Spruce Grove City Council meeting Bylaw C-723-09 was tabled for all three readings. The bylaw amends the Schedule of Fees for building permits.

The purpose was to maintain a revenue source to ensure financial viability of the department in 2010.

A copy of the fee changes can be found here. These do not seem out of line excepting the increase for non-residential fees. But there were two points that were of concern.

First, the city delegate that spoke to the new fees stated that these new fees and the way they are going to be administered is an effort to “streamline” the whole process. That word streamlined always bothers me when I hear it in the same context with an increase in fees. I guess it means that it streamlines the path from our wallets into the city coffers.

Second, what I have real trouble with is the following statement taken from the meetings agenda. “Any installation of those three disciplines (electrical, pluming and gas) are subject to a doubling of the base fee if done by an unlicensed contractor (usually a homeowner or their friend, neighbour, relative, etc.).”

This seems to be yet another example of government, at all levels, spending their time and efforts not to mention our money, on new ways to tax us rather than new ways to create wealth for its citizens.

The one good thing is that Mayor Houston did not let this bylaw go to third reading giving us all some time to reflect. Lets hope they do the right thing.