Parkland Fee applicable to Existing Property in Hamilton, ON?

[Tahira Chaudhry]

In the City of Hamilton, ON, we purchased a mixed use (commercial/residential) property with a basement already constructed. The city is giving us a hard time to get permit to legalize the basement, many conditions and requirements. Now, prior to receiving the basement permit to legalize status, the City sends a letter to pay for the parkland fee of $9500. We are confused because we didn't do a structural change or zoning change. Why has this been applied in my case? Totally surprised, so what's the best advice to get this fee waived as in my case, there has been no new construction or addition. No parkland impacted in any way. Is this a new rule?