Waterloo Region refuses to waive development charges for a long-term care facility in Wilmot

A motion to waive the development charges for a long-term care (LTC) facility in Wilmot Township was shot down by the Region of Waterloo Council.

Tri-County Mennonite Homes operates the only LTC in Wilmot Township.

The not-for-profit plans to break ground on a new 160 bed facility in the winter of 2025.

In order to build, they are facing $3.6 million in municipal development charges required for all new buildings.

Earlier this year the Township of Wilmot voted to waive their $1.5 million portion of the charges.

They asked the same of the Region of Waterloo’s $2.6 million amount.

During Wednesday’s budget session, regional council voted to deny waiving the fees.

“That is a direct hit to the ability for us to invest into not only bricks and mortar, but the opportunity for us to train, retain, encourage staff to join us and support seniors,” said Steven Harrison CEO of Tri-County Mennonite Homes.

According to the Region of Waterloo some housing projects can apply to have development charges waived, but long-term care is classified as “institutional” and not housing.

“We are the furthest thing from an institution, we are absolutely a home like anyone else's home,” said Harrison.

Township of Wilmot Mayor Natahsa Salonen voted in favour of waiving the charges.

“Not only are they providing quality care for residents, but they also are providing affordable housing options for residents who also need care.”

She calls the Region of Waterloo’s “institution” classification for LTC’s shameful.

During a previous regional council budget meeting, some on council worried about setting a precedent of waiving development charges.

Salonen says the fact this organization is a not-for-profit is an important distinction.

“There are lots of communities across Ontario that already waived fees for not- for-profit long-term care, and I think that the region should be in that league as well,” said Salonen.

Harrison said they hope to start construction in the winter of 2025.

He said the region’s decision will not stop the project from moving forward, but will impact how it operates

“It is the support services, the niceties, the extras that we would put into the building, we're going to have to trim that back by about $2 million.”