Clayton Research approaches municipal finance issues from an economic perspective, with a solid understanding of real estate markets, the land development process, housing policies and financial markets.

Clayton Research has prepared municipal finance impact studies for development proposals ranging from infill projects to new towns. These studies range in depth from simple average cost analyses to detailed case studies, and examine the potential impacts on the assessment base, municipal revenues, and capital and operating expenditures.

Clayton Research has provided strategic advice regarding development charges to developers, homebuilders and public sector clients across Ontario. Our services include the comprehensive review of development charge proposals, expert witness services for Ontario Municipal Board hearings dealing with development charge issues, and advice regarding development charge policies.

Clayton Research has participated in many multi-disciplinary planning teams, providing advice about the municipal finance implications of proposed developments.

Clayton Research provides strategic advice regarding other municipal finance issues including financial contributions for "best efforts" agreements, density bonus (Section 37) policies, and assessment issues.

Examples of the some of municipal finance assignments undertaken by Clayton Research are outlined below:

Clayton Research provided analysis of development charge credits for lot levy payments made by developers in Mississauga, Burlington and Toronto before the adoption of Ontario's first Development Charge Act in 1989. This analysis helped provide the "factual matrix" the Ontario Municipal Board used in interpreting the terms of various lot levy agreements.

This research study, undertaken for CMHC in association with Arencon Ltd., examined the potential impact of mandatory sprinklers in new homes on the cost of municipal fire protection services. Other costs and benefits associated with residential sprinklers were also assessed.

As part of a multidisciplinary transportation study for the Polo Park district of Winnipeg, Clayton Research provided advice regarding potential alternatives for financing the road improvements required to accommodate redevelopment in the area. City officials will use this background in choosing the appropriate finance tools to meet their needs.

Clayton Research assessed the reasonableness of the Town's requirement that developers make certain financial contributions to adjacent landowners for capital improvements constructed many years earlier. At the time the works were constructed, Markham had agreed to use its "best efforts" to collect from other developers in the area. This research was used by the Ontario Municipal Board in deciding on the appropriateness of these contributions for two developments in Markham.

The financial implications of this development for the City of Gloucester were assessed in the River Ridge Community analysis. The study estimated the capital and on-going operating and maintenance costs for the City services that would be required for the new community, as well as the impact of the development on City revenues. Other economic implications examined included employment generation associated with the proposed development.

Jeannette Gillezeau, Vice President, is responsible for municipal finance analyses at Clayton Research. An acknowledged expert in development charges, she has worked in the municipal finance field since 1979. Frank A. Clayton, President, is also involved in some of the municipal finance impact area.

Projects undertaken at Clayton Research always benefit from the contribution of other senior staff bringing other key areas of expertise to bear on the analysis. Read more about Jeannette Gillezeau and other senior staff members.