RFP2025-12 - Infrastructure and Development Charge Framework

The Town of Bridgewater (“the Town”) is seeking a consultation from highly experienced and qualified firms to assist the Town with the preparation of infrastructure charges in the Subdivision By-law and the preparation of a Development Charges By-law, with related implementation framework for administering said by-laws among internal and external stakeholders. Existing means of cost recovery, such as the Wastewater Betterment Charge, Bridgewater’s current tool for capital cost contributions for wastewater infrastructure operating under Section 81 of the Municipal Government Act, have not proven sufficient to meet the needs of the Town’s growing infrastructure deficit. Through its 10-year Capital Plan, Bridgewater has identified key upgrades to its streets and servicing required for its future growth. Two important pieces have been identified as priorities for cost recovery: the adoption of a fee schedule for infrastructure charges within the Town’s Subdivision By-law (SDB) targeting specific greenfield areas and the development of a Development Charges By-law, applicable broadly where infrastructure charges do not apply. This RFP establishes instructions for submitting proposals and criteria by which the successful proponent may be evaluated. Proponents shall be in the business of providing professional consultative and advisory services pertaining to regulatory (by-law) development, procedural / process and policy development as it relates to municipal development charge by-laws, municipal finance and infrastructure cost-recovery approaches, as well as development and asset management. Proponents must also be able to provide a minimum of three (3) clients for whom they have provided similar services to those specified in the RFP within the last five (5) years and have sufficient resources available to carry out the assignment in the manner and capacity required.