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Curtis Olson thinks Saskatoon city hall is getting in its own way when it comes to achieving its goals for infill development.

Olson, CEO of Saskatoon’s Shift Development, appeared before city council on Monday to argue that a 51-year-old bylaw no longer reflects the current development situation.

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Olson called for a “pause” on charging off-site levies for infill projects that fall within Circle Drive until an audit of the city’s development charges is complete.

The levies were originally introduced in 1968 to address the infrastructure cost for suburban developments since property taxes could no longer cover those expenses, Olson said.

“In reality, they’re very punishing to low- and mid-density (infill) projects as opposed to high-density projects.”

Even though the off-site developments were originally intended to help cover the costs of roads, parks and sewers in the suburbs, they also apply to infill developments. The levies are also triggered when a lot is subdivided to build duplexes or condominiums, even though much of that infrastructure has already been paid for.