Things could get more expensive for developers next year.

According to a post on the City of Guelph’s website, it is being recommended that development charges (DC) for new developments in the city see double-digit increases this coming March.

Under this proposal, the development charge for residential would increase to $35,098 for a single or detached home, an increase of 17.35 per cent. Non-residential rates would to rise to $133 per square metre, an increase of 23.85 per cent.

“The proposed rates remain competitive with DC rates in nearby cities, such as Kitchener and Cambridge, which are also in the process of conducting a background study,” the post on the city’s website says.

The proposed increase in rates, according to the city, is due to a number of changes to the province’s Development Charges Act.

The updated bylaw also includes proposed policy changes to the timing of payments, new and changed exemptions, a new rate category for special-needs facilities, and aligning definitions between the city’s development charges bylaw and its zoning bylaw.

The study recommending these changes, along with the new bylaw, will be the subject of a special city council meeting on Jan. 21, starting at 6 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.

The new development charge bylaw and associated rate changes will be presented to council for a vote in February.

Those looking to submit written comments or to speak at the special meeting are asked to register with the city clerk’s office by 10 a.m. on Jan. 18.

To register, call 519-837-5603, send an email to clerks@guelph.ca, go online to guelph.ca/delegation, or go to the city clerk’s office at city hall.