What is a Developer?
A developer can be an individual or corporation
that develops lands for residential, commercial
or industrial use to meet the demands of the
marketplace as well as the growth targets outlined
by the City of London, mandated through provincial
policy.
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How does the development community
contribute to London's economy?
The development industry contributes substantially
to this city's economic engine, providing more
jobs than any one company or organization. They're
the single largest taxpayer and employer. In
2005, more than 12,645 jobs were directly related
to residential construction. The development
industry has designed and constructed most of
London's residential neighbourhouds. Our members
own millions of square feet of commercial office
and industrial space, thousands of residential
rental accommodating and develop thousands of
residential building lots in London each year.
The environment is a main
concern for Canadians. How are developers working
to protect our environment?
All development projects have to follow strict
municipal and provincial guidelines and regulations.
These regulations address many environmental
issues, including storm water and waste water
management as well as tree coverage. No development
project can proceed without government input.
Each step of the development process, from planning
through construction and up until completion,
is done in compliance with municipal and provincial
environmental regulations. In addition to government
regulations, each developer has their own environmental
standards. For some this involves creating green
spaces in their neighbourhoods, while others
place a greater emphasis on energy efficiency.
The LDI is a partner in LHBA's TREE (Team Reforestation
Enhances the Environment) Program to increase
London's tree canopy.
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London has experienced yet another
record year for building construction. Will
this trend continue?
Twenty-year projections and market studies
clearly show that London is an attractive centre,
and a place to work and live. It will continue
to grow. Developers do their best to respond
in a creative way to satisfy the demands of
the marketplace and meet the growth targets
outlined by the City of London. Contrary to
popular belief, developers don't create the
market or the demand, the public and the economy
does. They develop lands approved by the city
for development, and create subdivisions suitable
for the zoning that is in place, within strict
regulations outlined by the City. To keep jobs
and talented people here, the city needs to
be able to accommodate this growth in a planned
and coordinated way.
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How do developers decide where
to build?
Through London's 20-year Official Plan, the
City of London provides a blueprint for growth.
This plan gives developers clear direction as
to how, where and when the city can grow. In
keeping with the Planning Act and municipal
regulations, developers purchase land in areas
that they anticipate future development opportunities.
The developers use their own experience and
knowledge of the market to determine what areas
have the greatest potential for development.
Infrastructure requirements, capital requirements
to service new growth, market expectations and
future demand are all areas developers question
before they invest in a development site. Once
the land is purchased and the project has been
determined, developers work with the City of
London to approve the project, ensuring it meets
the guidelines of the Official Plan as well
as government regulations. The proposed plan
is reviewed by numerous departments within the
City of London as well as outside agencies like
the Ministry of the Environment, Upper Thames
River Conservation Authority, London Transit,
Canada Post, school boards and adjoining landowners.
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What role does Council play
in this process?
Every development project requires Council's
approval before construction can begin. After
administration has recommended the zoning and
ensured the development falls within the Official
Plan, the project then goes to City Council
for its approval. At this stage, members of
Council have the opportunity to ask both the
developer and members of administration detailed
questions about the project. This process could
involve changes to the project or a request
for more information. It is at this stage that
Council can approve the project or send it back
to administration and the developer for review.
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What is the development community
doing to revitalize the downtown?
In recent years, London's development community
has been working with the City of London to
improve specific areas of the city, such as
the downtown core. A number of apartment buildings
have been built, and are under construction
in the downtown core. These buildings will continue
to revitalize the heart of London by having
more people working, living and shopping downtown.
This is just another way development projects
are helping improve London's economy.
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