An Assessment of the Impact of Rural Non-Farm Development on ...

<strong>Impact</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Rural</strong> <strong>Non</strong>-<strong>Farm</strong> <strong>Development</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Viability <strong>of</strong> Agriculture: Literature Reviewpotential to impact <strong>the</strong> viability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> agricultural operation. Also, as farmland becomesfragmented <strong>the</strong>re are additional concerns about <strong>the</strong> loss <strong>of</strong> open space and localamenity in <strong>the</strong> landscape (Beasley and Workman, 1986).1.5.4 Cost <strong>of</strong> Servicing <strong>Rural</strong> <strong>Non</strong>-<strong>Farm</strong> <strong>Development</strong><strong>An</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r reason why rural non-farm lot development can be problematic is <strong>the</strong>difficulty in servicing. When lots are created randomly in agricultural land <strong>the</strong>re is littleopportunity to provide this development with services such as water or sewer. As morepeople relocate to <strong>the</strong> countryside, <strong>the</strong>re are also additional demands put on o<strong>the</strong>rmunicipal services, such as roads.A 1988 study <strong>of</strong> Brighton Township in <strong>the</strong> County <strong>of</strong> Northumberland by <strong>the</strong>Community Planning Advisory Branch <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Municipal Affairs clearly showsthat <strong>the</strong> Township consistently loses money on small residential properties every year.This study has accounted for municipal costs as well as for revenues from taxation,service fees, and provincial grants. The average residential property cost <strong>the</strong> Township$32 more annually than was brought in, in revenue for <strong>the</strong> property. The greatestlosses ($46 per property annually) were found to be on properties less than two acres.Recently completed studies by <strong>the</strong> American <strong>Farm</strong>land Trust have drawn similarconclusions.Figure 1.6 identifies <strong>the</strong> median cost <strong>of</strong> services per dollar <strong>of</strong> revenueraised, based on 83 studies done by <strong>the</strong> American <strong>Farm</strong>land Trust and o<strong>the</strong>rs in <strong>the</strong>United States.- 19 -