Development Fees and Charges
The County of Brant undertook an update to its Development Charges Background Study and By-law to reflect new projects and updated costs for capital works needed to support growth in the community over the next ten (10) years. The new by-law comes into effect November 1, 2024.
View the Development Charges Bylaw (PDF) - Effective November 1, 2024.
View the 2024 Development Charges Background Study (PDF)
View the Addendum Report (PDF)
View the 2nd Addendum Report (PDF)
View the Notice of the Passing of a Development Charges By-law (PDF)
View the Development Charges Bylaw Information (PDF) - Effective November 1, 2024.
To learn about engagement opportunities, timelines and more, visit the Engage Brant website.
The development charges for municipal services (service studies, fire protection, emergency services, parks and recreation etc.) are calculated following the guidelines set out by the development charges bylaws.
- Development fees and charges are included on the Fees and Charges webpage
- Development Charges Information Pamphlet (PDF) - Effective September 1, 2024
- Development Charges Interest Rate Policy (PDF)
To learn more about the current development charges, view the following reports:
- Development Charges Background Study (PDF) 2019
- Addendum - Development Charges Background Study (PDF) 2019
- Update - Development Charges Background Study (PDF) 2021
- Development Charge Bylaw 100-19 (PDF)
- Development Charges 121-21 - Amending Bylaw 100-19 (PDF)
- Development Charge Bylaw 066-24 - removing expiry date from Bylaw 100-19 (PDF)
- Notice of the Passing of a Development Charges Bylaw (PDF)
How Development Charges Work:
The Province sets strict rules for Development Charges and municipalities must follows them |
Development Charges are one-time fees. The Province’s Planning Act allows municipalities to collect these charges to ensure growth pays for growth – not taxpayers. However, that doesn’t mean existing residents don’t contribute as well. They help pay for the ongoing costs for the new parks and infrastructure through their annual property tax bill and service fees. Here are a few of the checks and balances for Development Charges:
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Developers still earn a profit with or without Development Charges |
Development Charges make up a small percentage of overall building costs but have a huge impact on the quality of life in a community. According to a July 2022 study by the Canada Home and Mortgage Corporation, developers typically earn between 10 and 15% profit once all other costs, including government fees, are paid. Developers price housing based on what the market will pay. If municipalities reduce fees, there is no guarantee that developers will lower the price of housing or pass any savings on to homeowners. |
Reserves are important when planning for community infrastructure and are permitted by the Planning Act |
The development charges (DC) the County collects ensure service levels and community livability are maintained as the County grows. We only collect what is needed for growth (in accordance with the Planning Act) and manage our reserves carefully. The aim is to:
The fees collected go into reserves that are assigned to projects in the County’s capital plan. These are large projects that keep the County running and make it more livable. Reserve funds must be spent in a set timeframe. The County’s capital budget and plan are public documents that are discussed publicly every year during Budget negotiations. |