Trent Lakes will hold a public meeting about proposed increases to Building Departrment Permit Fees.
The meeting will be held during the regular council meeting on November 3, 2026.
Eric Guay, municipal Director of Building and Planning told council that the proposed increases will help Trent Lakes offset costs related to administering and enforcing the Building Code Act.
“Over the last three years the building department reserves have been depleted by $230,304.13, “ Guay said. “The shortfall in department revenues can be attributed in part to the economic downtown experienced due to the global political turmoil and the post pandemic return to normal.”
“It is anticipated that a transfer from reserve will be required to offset operational costs of the building department,” he added.
Guay said that the 2026 transfer will deplete the available reserve funds and that the increase in fees is needed to help fund the department.
The proposed permit cost increases are:
• New Residential from $1.54/sq ft to $1.58sq/ft
• Accessory Structures from 91 cents sq/ft to 93 cents sq/ft
• Decks from 42 cents sq/ft to 43 cents sq/ft
• Demolition from a fee of $164.47 to $168,42
The increases are projected to increase revenue for the building department by approximately $11,800.
Deputy Mayor Carol Armstrong said that it is clear Trent Lakes needs to do something and suggested that the low revenue increase doesn’t solve the problem.
Guay agreed and said the municipality does not want to stifle development.
