Thursday, August 28, 2025

Toronto’s Development Charges Are Skyrocketing, Slowing Housing Construction

Development charges in Ontario municipalities have surged nearly 400% over the past decade, hampering new housing construction and affordability in Canada’s most populous province, according to industry data.

In Toronto, charges for semi-detached houses have reached $140,000 per unit, while charges for two-bedroom condos have increased to $80,690.

The high charges are deterring new construction projects and driving up home prices. First-time homebuyers and young families face heightened barriers to entry, effectively subsidizing existing residents’ property taxes.

The charges, introduced in 1989 to fund infrastructure for new developments, have evolved into a revenue tool that allows cities to maintain low property taxes for existing residents, analysis shows.

Not surprisingly, Ontario’s housing starts fell 17% in the third quarter year-over-year, threatening the province’s target of 1.5 million new homes by 2031, the Financial Accountability Office reported.

Also read: Canadian Housing Starts Remain Flat In October

Burlington and Vaughan have recently reduced their development charges, but most Ontario municipalities continue to raise fees, according to the Smart Prosperity Institute, an Ottawa-based think tank. British Columbia also implements similar charges, though generally at lower rates than Ontario. Most other Canadian provinces do not significantly rely on such fees.


Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Goliath Resources Hits 10.60 g/t Gold Over 22.82 Metres, Highest Grade Results In Third Distinct Rock Package At Surebet Discovery

Four Countries Control the Fertilizer That Feeds the World | Sage Potash

$10,000 Gold Is Just A Question of Time | Florian Grummes

Recommended

Nord Precious Metals Identifies 29 Veins At Castle East Following 3D Modeling

Emerita Resources Expands El Cura Drill Program By 10,000 Metres As Deposit Remains Open For Expansion

Related News

Toronto Unveils Ambitious $36 Billion Plan for 65,000 Rental Homes

As being a landlord continues to be in vogue among Canadian officials, Toronto kicks it...

Thursday, October 26, 2023, 12:58:00 PM

GTA Home Inventory Swells as Sales Lag Behind New Listings

The Greater Toronto Area saw housing listings surge in 2024, shifting market dynamics in favor...

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 02:51:00 PM

A Growing Number of GTA Homebuyers Are Choosing to Walk Away from Their Massive Deposits

In the preconstruction real estate industry, a growing concern has emerged as homebuyers face difficulties...

Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 11:22:00 AM

The Ballooning Toronto Condo Problem

Despite anticipated easing of interest rates later in the year, the Toronto real estate market,...

Monday, May 6, 2024, 10:14:24 AM

Toronto Tightens Rental Rules With Anti-Renoviction Measures

Toronto City Council has approved a new bylaw aimed at protecting tenants from fraudulent renovation-based...

Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 02:11:00 PM