Hydro negotiating costs with developers
Proposed Bridgewater condo/hotel/retail complex at Lakeshore/Elizabeth/Pearl.
The cost of upgrading and burying hydro wires for new development projects in the downtown continues to be a work in progress. The city’s current policy is for developers to pay 100% of the costs, although that policy is under review at the request of developers. A recent information report from city staff states that hydro is wholly responsible for determining costs, and the city has neither the jurisdiction nor financial obligation to provide hydro capacity to service a site.
The report also provided an update regarding hydro on two downtown developments: the Carriage Gate project at John/Elizabeth/Caroline/Maria, and the Bridgewater project at Pearl/Lakeshore/Elizabeth.
Hydro’s position is that the Carriage Gate project is not eligible for rebates for hydro upgrade/burial (similar to those available for greenfield development sites); Carriage Gate is contesting hydro’s position and also want to use their own contractor for the hydro work.
Hydro is reviewing information from Mady to establish a cost for hydro on Bridgewater project.
City staff have advised council that hydro is a matter to be resolved between the developer and Burlington Hydro. Meanwhile, staff are finalizing a Downtown Hydro Services Policy which is expected later this year.
