Development charges: What they are and why Canada needs alternatives

new townhomes under construction

DCs are upfront fees charged by municipalities and that are initially paid for by developers for each new unit they build, but ultimately get paid for by the buyers of new homes. They are supposed to be charged to cover the proportionate infrastructure costs such as new roads and water and sewer connections, but have grown to cover much more than their fair share.

Worried about the future of housing in Canada?

Arial view of Toronto suburbs and downtown in the distance

Rents are skyrocketing. House prices are too high. Many Canadians aren’t sure if they’ll ever be able to afford their first home. Others will have to leave their city in search of more affordable solutions. Housing connects us all. And not enough housing affects us all. It impacts affordability and rental prices, and hurts the…