User Fees

User fees are reviewed annually by Council as part of the annual budget process. Current user fees are listed below.

User Fees

Administration Fees

Item	Description/Notes	Amount
Work on behalf of a ratepayer or as a result of an order (i.e. By-law infraction)	Includes Employee time (based on current employee rate), Equipment time (based on current Ontario Provincial Standard Specification), Materials/Contracts and a 15% Administration Fee (based on project cost)	Actual Costs plus 15% Administration Fee to a max. of $1,000 for Administration Fee
NSF Fees		$40.00
Preparation of property aerial photos - per property	HST Included	$10.00 HST Included
Invoice Finance Charge added to any invoice balance not paid before its due date	Per Month	2% Per Month
Debenture added to Taxes Carrying Cost - From Invoice due date to First Instalment date.	Carrying cost added to debenture set up amount.	Bank Prime + 2%
Credit Card Payment Surcharge		2%
A penalty charge for after hours, non-emergency locates request called in as emergencies	Penalty	$250.00
Delivery of tax notices or documents by registered letter		Actual Cost plus $5 Administration Fee and HST
Photocopies	Per Page	$0.50 HST Included
Faxes	Per Page	$1.00 HST Included
Commission Documents/ Affidavits		No Charge
Additional Blue box		$13.00 HST Included
Lottery Licence Application	Max. set by AGCO	3% of Prize Value / Min $20
Municipal Investigators	per attendance	$50.00 plus mileage
Work order information relating to each assessed parcel		$50.00 plus $15.00 for rush. Rush - certificate required 2 working days or less from the time request received.
Tax certificate relating to each assessed parcel		$50.00 plus $15.00 for rush. Rush - certificate required 2 working days or less from the time request received.
Water certificate		$50.00 plus $15.00 for rush. Rush - certificate required 2 working days or less from the time request received.
Septic certificate		$130.00 plus $20.00 for rush. Rush - certificate required 2 working days or less from the time request received.
Zoning Report (written) information relating to each assessed parcel		$50.00 plus $15.00 for rush. Rush - certificate required 2 working days or less from the time request received.
Composters		$25.00 HST included - based on Green Lane subsidy
Marriage Licences and Services
Marriage licence - Residents		$100.00
Marriage licence - Non-residents		$110.00
Marriage ceremony	at municipal office during regular business hours	$250.00
Marriage ceremony	at off-site location	$350 plus mileage
Fence Viewers
Fence Viewers -Administrative Costs	Actual costs	Remuneration - $60.00 for each attendance up to a maximum of two hours, and then $60.00 for each hour thereafter, plus mileage
Fence Viewers	Up to 2 hours	$180.00 plus mileage
Fence Viewers	Each hour over initial 2 hours	$180.00 plus mileage
Cemetery Plot Fees
Lake Line - Hunter Cemetery	Plot fee	$300.00
Parks Signature Memorial/ Commemorative Bench Fee	Bench fee includes installation	$2,500.00

Canine Control

Item	Description/Notes	Amount
Kennel License		$85.00
Guide Dogs & Service Dogs		No Charge

Please note effective January 1, 2022, residents are no longer required to purchase a dog tag from the Township of Southwold.

The requirement of pet owners to identify their dog will now be the responsibility of the pet owner. Each owner is to obtain their own tag with owner contact information clearly displayed. The identification tag must include a phone number for the owner of the dog and must be of sufficient size and contrast to be easily read.

For more information, please visit our Dog Licences page.

Fire Department

Item	Description/Notes	Amount
Inspections		$100.00 plus HST
Request for Fire Report		$50.00 plus HST
Request for Inspection Report Previously Completed		$40.00 plus HST
Fire Cost Recovery for non-compliance of Fire Code and Fire Protection and Prevention Act		In accordance with current MTO rates plus any loss of or damaged equipment and material used. Plus HST.
Provincial Highway Fees		In accordance with current MTO rates plus any loss of or damaged equipment and material used. Plus HST.
Any Municipal Road, all Non-Residents		Same fee as if on a Provincial Highway

Building and Community Services

Building Services

Item	Description/Notes	Amount
1st Floor		$0.65 per ft²
2nd Floor and 3rd Floor		$0.65 per ft²
Basement		$0.40 per ft²
Crawl space		$0.40 per ft²
Workshops, storage areas, garages, open porches and decks, when included with permit for a new residence and attached to the same		$0.20 per ft²
Addition of attached garage workshop		$0.65 per ft²
Additions, alterations and renovations where square footage can be determined as per above		See fees per ft² above
Additions of attached garages		$0.65 per ft²
Fee for any building permit, alterations/renovations		Minimum - $150.00
When square footage cannot be determined		$12.00 per $1,000.00 of construction value. Minimum - $150.00
Damage and Lot Grading Security Deposit at discretion of CBO	Forfeited if occupied prior to occupancy being granted	Minimum $2,000.00, maximum $3,500.00
Accessory when not part of original residential permit	Less than 250 ft²	$150.00
Accessory when not part of original residential permit	251 to 500 ft²	$150.00 plus $0.35 per ft², over 250 ft²
Accessory when not part of original residential permit	501 ft² to 1,000 ft²	$300.00 plus $0.15 per ft², over 500 ft²
Accessory when not part of original residential permit	Over 1,000 ft²	$350.00 plus $0.15 per ft² over 1,000 ft²
Industrial/Commercial/Institutional - New construction or renovations		$12.00 per $1,000.00 of construction value - minimum $150.00
Farm Building - Livestock facilities and manure pits		$150.00 plus $8.00 per $1,000.00 of construction value
Farm Building - non livestock	Less than 250 ft²	$150.00
Farm Building - non livestock	251 to 500 ft²	$150.00 plus $0.35 per ft² over 250 ft²
Farm Building - non livestock	501 to 1,000 ft²	$300.00 plus $0.15 per ft² over 500 ft²
Farm Building - non livestock	Over 1,000 ft²	$350.00 plus $0.15 per ft² over 1,000 ft²
Woodstoves, chimneys, fireplaces and other wood burning appliances		$150.00
Demolition permits		$150.00
Demolition as a condition of severance		$150.00
Fence around residential swimming pools		$150.00
Building relocations		$100.00 plus travel cost plus fee for appropriate building listed above
Building relocations	Deposit / liability insurance	Refundable damage deposit and/or liability insurance to be determined by Council
Plumbing permit in buildings not requiring a building permit		$150.00 plus $12.00 per $1,000.00 of construction value
Tent permit	Greater than 60 m²	$150.00
Wind turbine	with a capacity greater than 3 kW for personal use	$295.00
Wind turbine	with a capacity greater than 3 kW for commercial use	$2,000.00
Change of use permit	No construction	$150.00
Conditional permit		$300.00 plus regular permit fee and cost recovery on any additional legal, professional or consultant fees plus 15% Administration Fee to a max. of $1,000 for Admin Fee
Reinspection fee	if inspections are requested and not ready	$150.00
Solar panel	with an area of 5 m² or greater	$150.00
Penalty for starting construction prior to obtaining permit - residential		Double regular permit fee - maximum $2,000.00
Penalty for starting construction prior to obtaining permit - industrial/commercial/institutional		Double the regular permit fee - maximum $5,000.00
Administration fee for permits not paid prior to permit expiry		25% increase in regular permit fee
Fast track building permit fee 48 business hour turn around at discretion of CBO		25% increase in regular permit fee
Permits not started within six months of issue are cancelled and require renewal, if applicant requests in writing within one year of cancellation		$150.00
Alternative Solution Review Fee		$300.00
Sewage system building permits for Class 4 or 5 sewage systems		$500.00
Additional fee for percolation onsite test where soil conditions are suitable		$100.00
Inspection for repairs to a sewage system		$400.00

Community Services

Community Services	Description/Notes	Amount
Keystone Complex - Main Hall - without facilities	Friday to Saturday	$450.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Main Hall - with facilities	Friday to Saturday	$600.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Grounds - private event	Friday to Saturday	$600.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Grounds - Southwold based charities, service clubs and non-profit groups	Friday to Saturday	$470.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Non-refundable deposit	Friday to Saturday	$200.00 HST included
Maintenance and Damage Deposit (event serving alcohol, refundable upon inspection)	Keystone Complex and Grounds	$800.00 no HST
Keystone Complex - Maintenance and damage deposit	Fee waived for Southwold based charities, service clubs and non-profit groups	$100.00 no HST
Keystone Complex - Main Hall - without facilities	Sunday to Thursday	$330.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Main Hall - with facilities	Sunday to Thursday	$390.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Main Hall - Southwold based charities, service clubs, and non-profit groups	Sunday to Thursday	$265.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Grounds - Private Event	Sunday to Thursday	$360.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Grounds - Southwold based charities, service clubs, and non-profit groups	Sunday to Thursday	$300.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - non-refundable deposit	Sunday to Thursday	$200.00 no HST
Keystone Complex - Sporting events and events serving alcohol require insurance	Applicant to provide proof of coverage
Keystone Complex - Set-up day ahead		$270.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Meeting room		$55.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Meeting room - with kitchen		$85.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Memorial services and funeral receptions		$225.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Sign & Letters		$25.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Pavilion		$90.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Horse ring		$75.00 HST included
Keystone Complex - Barn		$120.00 HST included
Maintenance and Damage Deposit (refundable upon inspection) Sporting events and events serving alcohol require insurance	Fingal Heritage Park Fee waived for Southwold based charities, service clubs and non-profit groups	$200 no HST
Gazebo	Fingal Heritage Park	$50.00 HST included
Mens and Ladies ball	Fingal Ball Park	$47.00 / game, HST included
Minor sports (baseball or soccer)	Fingal Ball Park	$5.00 / child, per season, HST included
Local Tournaments	Fingal Ball Park Available only for Southwold based service clubs, not for profit groups and registered charities, and Southwold based, affiliated Minor Sports Associations (includes use of pavilion)	$120.00 / day, HST included
Non-Local Tournaments	Fingal Ball Park (includes use of pavilion)	$250/diamond/day HST included
Pavilion	Fingal Ball Park	$80.00 HST included
Maintenance and Damage Deposit (refundable upon inspection) Tournaments, events using the concession stand, and events serving alcohol require insurance	Fingal Ball Park Fee waived for Southwold based charities, service clubs and non-profit groups	$800 no HST
Concession Stand (damage and maintenance deposit required)	Fingal Ball Park	$50/day, HST included
Mens and Ladies ball	Shedden	$42.00 / game, HST included
Adult soccer (19+) - full field, full length games	Shedden	$37.00 / game, HST included
Adult soccer (19+) - mini field, 2 hours	Shedden	$22.00 / game, HST included
Minor sports (baseball or soccer)	Shedden	$5.00 / child, per season, HST included
Pavilion	Corsley Park	$80.00 HST included
Mens and Ladies ball	Talbotville	$42.00 / game, HST included
Minor sports (baseball or soccer)	Talbotville	$5.00 / child, per season, HST included
Adult soccer (19+) - full field, full length games	Talbotville	$37.00 / game, HST included
Local Tournaments	Talbotville	$120.00 / day, HST included
Maintenance and Damage Deposit (refundable upon inspection) Sporting events and events serving alcohol require insurance	Talbotville Optimist Park (Sports & Heritage) Fee waived for Southwold based charities, service clubs and non-profit groups	$800 no HST
Pavilion	Talbotville	$80.00 HST included
Non-registered Teams		Applicable fee plus $12.00, HST included (practice or game)
Due Date	All fees shall be paid by no later than the first regular season game and a copy of the game schedule and applicable forms shall be provided to the Township at that time
Late payment fees		$12.00 / game, HST included, applicable to each game scheduled or played until payment received
Rain days	Teams can reschedule games during the week or at the end of the season
Insurance	Teams shall be responsible to provide a copy of their own insurance to the Township prior to the first game

Infrastructure and Development

Item	Description/Notes	Township Fee	Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Fee
Tile Loan Processing		$200.00
Drainage Apportionment Agreement - 1st Drain / Apportionment Agreements allocating all assessment to one property	The Township of Southwold reserves the right to decide whether the apportionment is done in-house or by the Engineer. Referral to an Engineer for Drainage Reapportionment is at the discretion of the Municipality. If referred to an Engineer, costs will be actual amounts charged by the Engineer.	$100.00
Drainage Apportionment Agreement - Each additional drain		$75.00
Minor Variance Application (section 45(1) to 45(3) of the Planning Act)		$900.00	$115.00 review fee
Official Plan Amendment Application (includes planning report)	LTVCA - Major OPA - industrial, commercial, institutional, subdivision, etc. LTVCA - Minor OPA - single lot / unit residence	$1,750.00	Major OPA $300.00 review fee Minor OPA $200.00 review fee
Zoning By-law Amendment Application (includes planning report)	LTVCA - Major ZBLA - industrial, commercial, institutional, subdivision, etc. LTVCA - Minor ZBLA - single lot / unit residence	$1,350.00	Major ZBLA $300.00 review fee Minor ZBLA $200.00 review fee
Combined application to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law in respect of the same lands (includes planning reports)		$2,000.00	$275.00 review fee
Temporary Use By-law (Section 39 and 39.1 of the Planning Act)		$1,125.00
Temporary Use By-Law - Refundable Deposit		$5,000.00 fully refundable upon compliance
Site Plan Application		$1,000.00 plus actual cost for in-house and external review of Development Proposals - see below
Plans of Subdivision/Plans of Condominium application		$2,000.00 plus actual cost for in-house and external review of Development Proposals - see below
Application for Consent/Severance/Validation of Title (Sections 53 and 57 of the Planning Act)		$575.00
Severance Agreement - Administration fee - First agreement		$500.00 plus actual costs for in-house and external review of Development Proposals - see below
Severance Agreement - each additional lot that was part of the original severance		$0.00 plus actual costs for in-house and external review of Development Proposals - see below
Site Plan Agreement - Administration Fee		$1,000.00 plus actual costs for in-house and external review of Development Proposals - see below
Planning and Development Agreement - Administration Fee		$1,000.00 plus actual costs for in-house and external review of Development Proposals - see below
Amendment to Planning and Development Agreements (Severance, Site Plan, Subdivision, Condominium) - Administration Fee		$500.00 plus actual costs for in-house and external review of Development Proposals - see below
In-house review of Development Proposals	Internal staff time and expenses related to engineering that go beyond typical Township comments on an application. Generally applied to review of plans, specifications, terms, etc. for incorporation into and for preparation of agreements.	Actual staff costs (Wages & OH) plus 15% Administration fee to a max. of $1,000.00 for Admin Fee
External review of Development Proposals (Engineering, Legal, Planning, other consultants)	Internal staff time and expenses related to engineering that go beyond typical Township comments on an application. Generally applied to review of plans, specifications, terms, etc. for incorporation into and for preparation of agreements.	Actual costs plus 15% Administration fee to a max. of $1,000.00 for Admin Fee
Application for Part Lot Control		$800.00
Staff review of Green Initiatives construction projects		$1,000.00 plus HST
Comment/Letter - Telecommunications Towers	Review of application, preparation of report, Council comment submitted to proponent	$500.00
Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland Fee - Residential Severance	Per severed lot. Applies to residential lot Severances / Consents only.	$1,750.00 / Residential Lot Created
Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland Fee - All Subdivision of Land except Residential Severances	As per the Planning Act Section 51.1	Industrial / Commercial Purposes - 2% of land value. All other Purposes (Residential) - 5% of land value.
Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland Fee (lot line adjustments)		$0.00 no charge
Pre-consultation meeting with Planner (non-refundable) and only charged after 2nd meeting		$200.00
Any legal or consulting fees over and above established rates will be added to all planning fees.
Fees are charged per lot, where applicable

*Additional fees from Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) may be applicable depending on the planning application. For a full list of LTVCA Fees please visit their website.

Public Works

Item	Description/Notes	Amount
All new Road Occupancy Permits off municipal roads		$250.00
Entrance Bond	Deposit - refundable	$1,000.00
Work under roadway bond	Deposit - refundable	$1,000.00
911 Sign - new sign (sign and post)	Sign and Post	$100.00 HST Included
911 Sign - Replacement	Sign Only	$50.00 HST Included

Water User Fees

Item	Description/Notes	Amount
Basic quarterly charge for water service		$43.20
Consumption charge	per cubic meter	$2.870
Southwold Capital Infrastructure Rate (Lynhurst)	per cubic meter	$1.639
Water filling station	per cubic meter	$3.440
Dutton-Dunwich (Tri County Rate)	per cubic meter	$2.130
Water meter charge	3/4 inch meter	$650.00 plus HST
Water meter charge	larger than 3/4 inch meter	Actual cost plus 15%, administration to a $1,000.00 maximum and inspection fee of $225.00
Shut-off and/or reconnection charge for non-payment of account	during normal business hours	$80.00
Shut-off and/or reconnection charge for non-payment of account	after normal business hours	$260.00
Shut-off and/or reconnection charge at Customer's request	during normal business hours and 48 hours notice given to Township	$53.00
Shut-off and/or reconnection charge at Customer's request	after normal business hours	$260.00
Non-metered Quarterly Consumption charge	based on consumption of 60.6 cu m x 2.5	$434.81
Disconnection fee for discontinuing water service and billing		$260.00
Failure to install remote read out		$55.00
Township plumbing fees		included in meter charge
Malfunctioning/testing of meters		cost of a new meter per Schedule "A" to By-Law
Frost plate and gasket		cost plus $30.00 administration fee plus HST
Final reads		$37.00
Work orders		$37.00
Water fill station key - deposit for new accounts		$130.00
Charge for installation of lock box for unauthorized use of water		$160.00
Charge for mailing of registered letter		cost plus $6.00 administration fee plus HST
Construction water		$160.00

Item	Description/Notes	Amount
2 Inch Meter	Township Fire Protection Rate (annual) - By-law 2023-64	$729.64
3 Inch Meter	Township Fire Protection Rate (annual) - By-law 2023-64	$863.65
4 Inch Meter	Township Fire Protection Rate (annual) - By-law 2023-64	$2,265.37
5 Inch Meter	Township Fire Protection Rate (annual) - By-law 2023-64	$2,871.71
6 Inch Meter	Township Fire Protection Rate (annual) - By-law 2023-64	$3,493.85
8 Inch Meter	Township Fire Protection Rate (annual) - By-law 2023-64	$5,019.96
10 Inch Meter	Township Fire Protection Rate (annual) - By-law 2023-64	$11,293.26

Water Connection Fees

Item	Description/Notes	Amount
General Connections
1" Connection		$16,262.00
1.5" Connection		$21,626.00
2" Connection		$24,391.00
4" Connection		$27,156.00
6" Connection		$31,587.00
Settlement Area Connections
1" Connection		$10,570.00
1.5" Connection		$14,058.00
2" Connection		$15,855.00
4" Connection		$17,653.00
6" Connection		$20,532.00
Subdivision Development Connections
1" Connection		$5,171.00
1.5" Connection		$6,878.00
2" Connection		$7,756.00
4" Connection		$8,635.00
6" Connection		$10,045.000

Additional Curbstop		$1,696.00

Sewer User Fees

Item	Description/Notes	Amount
Sewer rate - Talbotville Sanitary Sewer System		$2.71 per cubic meter
Sewer rate - St. Thomas Sanitary Sewer System		$2.71 per cubic meter
Flat rate	Capital requirements for sewer system	$22.74 per month
Late payment penalty	charged on all wastewater billings the day following due date	5%

Sewer Connection Fees

Item	Description/Notes	Amount
Talbotville Wastewater Treatment Plant
Single Family Dwelling		$18,462.00
Semi-Detached Dwelling		$18,462.00
Duplex		$18,462.00
Townhouse		$18,462.00
Row House		$18,462.00
Other Multiple Dwelling types with Individual Sanitary Sewer Connections		$18,462.00
Apartment Buildings		$12,850.00
1" Water Service (per connection)	Commercial/Industrial - based on Water Connection Service Size	$18,462.00
1.5" Water Service (per connection)	Commercial/Industrial - based on Water Connection Service Size	$24,553.00
2" Water Service (per connection)	Commercial/Industrial - based on Water Connection Service Size	$27,695.00
Over 2" Water Service	Commercial/Industrial - based on Water Connection Service Size	To be reviewed individually and fee included in development agreement
High Water/Wastewater Users	Commercial/Industrial - based on Water Connection Service Size	To be reviewed individually and fee included in development agreement

Other Sanitary Sewer Treatment Jurisdictions (Ferndale, Lynhurst)
All new connections		Subject to connection fees and other charges applied by the receiving sanitary sewer system
Private Drain Connections (PDC) Charges
Single Detached, Semi-Detached, Duplex Dwellings – Services provided by the Engineer/Contractor for repair, replacement, installation
The installation or replacement of a Sanitary Sewer PDC to the property line in conjunction with a Township construction project that involves the construction of a Sanitary Sewer main		$2,000.00
The installation or replacement of a Storm Sewer PDC to the property line in conjunction with a Township construction project that involves the construction of a Storm Sewer main		$2,000.00
Repair or replace existing PDC – no construction		Actual cost
Other Property Types – Services provided by the Engineer/Contractor for repair, replacement, installation
The installation or replacement of a Sanitary Sewer PDC to the property line in conjunction with a Township construction project that involves the construction of a Sanitary Sewer main;		$4,000.00
The installation or replacement of a Storm Sewer PDC to the property line in conjunction with a Township construction project that involves the construction of a Storm Sewer main		$4,000.00

Development Charges

2024 Township of Southwold Development Charges Pamphlet

Full Calculated Development Charges - see below for phased-in charges by year

Service/Class	Residential				Non-Residential
	Single and Semi-Detached Dwelling	Apartments - 2 Bedrooms +	Apartments - Bachelor and 1 Bedroom	Other Multiples	(per sq. ft. of Gross Floor Area)
Roads and Related	$4,301	$2,339	$1,498	$2,993	$2.16
Fire Services	$1,681	$913	$586	$1,170	$0.86
Parks and Recreation Services	$2,021	$1,098	$703	$1,406	$0.25
Library Services	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0.00
Growth Studies	$262	$142	$91	$181	$0.13
Total Municipal Wide Services/Classes	$8,265	$4,492	$2,878	$5,750	$3.40

January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024

Service/Class	Residential				Non-Residential
	Single and Semi-Detached Dwelling	Apartments - 2 Bedrooms +	Apartments - Bachelor and 1 Bedroom	Other Multiples	(per sq. ft. of Gross Floor Area)
Roads and Related	$4,012	$2,181	$1,397	$2,792	$2.01
Fire Services	$1,568	$851	$547	$1,091	$0.81
Parks and Recreation Services	$1,885	$1,024	$655	$1,312	$0.24
Library Services	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0.00
Growth Studies	$244	$132	$85	$169	$0.12
Total Municipal Wide Services/Classes	$7,709	$4,188	$2,684	$5,364	$3.18