Development Charges
Development Charges (DC’s) are one‑time fees that municipalities collect when new homes or businesses are constructed for the recovery of growth-related capital. Each DC By-law is specific to each municipality.
New neighbourhoods and business areas can’t move forward until the essential groundwork is in place. This includes infrastructure such as roads, parks, and facilities for emergency services. To help pay for these foundational services, municipalities rely on development charges, which provide key funding for growth‑related infrastructure.
Development Charges Pamphlet
A development charges pamphlet is a short public information document issued by a municipality that explains its development charges (DCs)—the fees collected from developers when new homes, businesses, or other buildings are constructed. These charges help pay for growth-related infrastructure such as roads, parks, fire services, water and wastewater systems, libraries, and other municipal facilities.
2026 Development Charges By-law
A development charges by-law is a municipal law that establishes the development charges (DCs) that must be paid when new development occurs within a municipality. In Ontario, these by-laws are authorized under the Development Charges Act, 1997 and are used to ensure that growth helps pay for the infrastructure needed to support that growth.
2026 Development Charges Background Study
Notice of the Passing of a Development Charges By-law by the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio
Development Charges By-law
FAQ
New neighbourhoods and business areas can’t move forward until the essential groundwork is in place. This includes infrastructure such as roads, parks, and facilities for emergency services. To help pay for these foundational services, municipalities relies on development charges, which provide key funding for growth‑related infrastructure.
Development Charges are a funding mechanism used to recover the capital costs associated with growth. When a developer proposes new residential or commercial construction in a municipality, they must pay these charges to the municipality. The revenue supports growth‑related infrastructure and amenities required to serve new development.
Short answer, yes. They are raised to align with inflation. The Development Charges Act also requires a municipality to update their DC By-law a minimum of once every 10 years. A Development Background Study is required to support By-law updates.
