About the Land Use Planning Services Fees Update

Parks Canada conducted principle-based consultation on fees and service standards from October 25 to November 22, 2023. Thank you for your participation and continued interest. A What We Heard Report is now available that summarizes feedback received and outlines next steps for the Land Use Planning Program.

To learn more, please visit the Past Consultations page.

Background
As part of the Land Use Planning Program’s aim of creating a modernized, consistent, and transparent planning framework, Parks Canada is proposing to introduce an updated fee schedule with corresponding service standards.

Existing fees for land use planning and development permits and services are outdated and embedded in regulations that are proposed to be replaced with the new National Parks of Canada Land Use Planning Regulations. Many of these fees have not been updated since the 1960s, and do not reflect existing costs or growth in demand.

What is being proposed?
A new, updated fee schedule for land use planning services, including the review and issuance of development and building permits, requests for planning approvals, and administrative services. Service standards may also be introduced to establish clear timelines and enhance overall service delivery.

What are the objectives?
Updating fees for land use planning services will ensure those who benefit pay an appropriate share of the costs, ultimately reducing the burden placed on taxpayers. This will lead to improved cost recovery and enable a more robust performance regime.

With a modernized fee structure that will adjust for inflation in accordance with the Parks Canada Agency Act and under the Service Fees Act, Parks Canada will be equipped to manage growth in demand while enhancing service delivery and improving cost recovery. This approach would ensure that Parks Canada has continued capacity to review and administer permits and approvals under the proposed National Parks of Canada Land Use Planning Regulations.

This consultation seeks views on the following themes to help inform fee setting and service standards for the proposed National Parks of Canada Land Use Planning Regulations:

• Balancing public good and private benefit
  A key principle in setting fees is that those who directly benefit from a service should pay their share of the cost. Considering who benefits most from services will help ensure costs are recovered while ensuring fair use of taxpayer funds.
  
  
• Greater cost recovery and alignment with market rates
  Currently, fees are below average market rates and do not recover costs incurred for service delivery. Parks Canada is proposing to consider the appropriate rate of cost recovery alongside existing market rates of comparator jurisdictions, including provincial, municipal, and other authorities in the context of protected areas.
  
  
• Quality and timely services
  An updated fee schedule will ensure services are properly funded to reflect a modernized land use planning framework with enhanced capacity for quality services, including compliance and enforcement activities (e.g., stop work orders, non-compatible land uses, etc.).
  
  

We want your feedback
We are looking for your feedback to help inform fee setting and service standards for the Land Use Planning Program.

The survey is now closed.