Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Latest

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

Fortune Bay: The Potential Billion Dollar Project

Japan Gold Enters New Chapter as Barrick Alliance Concludes – John Proust

Barrick Mining’s “Company Defining [Gold] Discovery”

Recommended

Nord Precious Metals Produces High Grade Silver Concentrate From Tailings

ESGold Secures $9 Million In Non-Dilutive Funding From Ocean Partners

Related News

Mortgage Defaults Accelerating, Toronto Sees Spike in Bank/Power of Sales

Mortgage defaults are accelerating within the Toronto housing market according to data tracked by broker...

Monday, April 29, 2024, 11:29:00 AM

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 New Home Sales Crash 60%, But Developers Say “Conditions Are Favouring Purchasers”

Data logged only 510 new Greater Toronto Area home sales in June, a collapse of...

Saturday, July 26, 2025, 11:32:26 AM

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

Rent-Striking Thorncliffe Park Tenants To Get Evicted

Tenants in Thorncliffe Park, an apartment complex in Toronto who have been protesting above-guideline rent...

Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 03:13:00 PM