Wrenford City Council approved a 12.5 per cent increase to development charges for new housing on February 19, 2025, to fund essential infrastructure for the city's growing neighbourhoods.
The rate change is set out in By-law 2025-041, which received final reading at the regular Council meeting on February 19. Development charges are a provincial tax authorized under the Development Charges Act, 1997. They are collected from builders and developers to pay for the roads, water and wastewater systems, parks, and community facilities that new residents will use. The increase applies to single-detached, semi-detached, and low-rise rental housing. The City also applies a discount to multi-unit and high-rise projects to encourage denser, transit-friendly housing in line with the Official Plan.
"Development charges are a targeted tax that ensures new residents help pay for the infrastructure they use," said Samuel Adeyemi, GM of Infrastructure and Planning. "This increase is carefully calibrated to match our construction cost forecasts while keeping Wrenford competitive for builders who want to deliver affordable homes."
The new rates take effect on March 1, 2025. If you are a builder or developer with a project that broke ground or submitted a complete application before March 1, you may be eligible to apply for a refund under the provincial grace period. To check your eligibility or calculate your exact charge, visit the Development charges information page. You can also use the information there to plan your upcoming permits under the Zoning.
The City is also working to make housing development more affordable through the Housing development grants program, which helps cover some infrastructure costs for approved projects. If you have questions about site preparation, zoning changes, or funding options, contact the Economic Development team or call 519-555-0100. For the full schedule of charges, refund rules, and a project calculator, visit the Development charges information page.