The City is seeking input on its final draft of the Community Benefit Guidelines, which allow the City to require items like affordable housing, parkland, public parking, public art or performance spaces and other similar benefits under Section 37 of the Planning Act.  The ability for the City to exchange density for added community benefits, previously known as “density bonusing,” is a powerful planning tool and our priority is to ensure that benefit guidelines are fair, clear and transparent.

Under the Planning Act, the City may allow increased height or density on a site in exchange for facilities, services or something else that will benefit the community.  Once finalized, these guidelines will help the City evaluate applications to build projects that surpass the height and/or density provision of the Zoning Bylaw and suggest appropriate Community Benefits. The Community Benefit Guidelines are designed to outline the approach the city will take to secure these benefits. 

Residents can visit GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca to find the final draft document and offer their input. The deadline for feedback will be 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

For additional information on community benefits, see: www.CityofKingston.ca/business/planning-and-development/community-benefits.