Development Charges Study 

What are Development Charges?

  • They are fees levied against new development to pay for the capital costs of servicing growth;
  • The principle behind development charges is that “growth pays for growth” so that the financial burden of servicing new development is not born by existing taxpayers;
  • In reality, development charges cannot fully fund growth due to statutory limitations.

Key Study Objectives

  • To prepare growth forecast and capital program needed to service this growth;
  • To calculate development charges consistent with the Development Charges Act, 1997 (DCA) and its associated Regulation; and
  • To review current DC policies and develop new development charges bylaw(s) and policies which conform to the DCA.

Hemson Consulting has finalized the Development Charges Background Study. It is available on this website for review and comment. The statutory public meeting, as required in the Development Charges Act, was held on March 23, 2009 at 5:00 pm at City Hall, in the Council Chambers.

Council for the City of Brantford approved Bylaw 54-2009 on May 4, 2009 in accordance with the requirements of the Development Charges Act, 1997. Bylaw 54-2009 will be in effect for a maximum period of five-years from the date of bylaw approval.

Bylaw 54-2009 was approved following the completion of the City of Brantford 2008-09 Development Charge Background Study. This study examined capital projects required to accommodate growth in Brantford to 2031. The costs estimated for the growth-related capital projects were reduced to take into account the extent to which they benefit existing development and any grants or subsidies that may be applicable. The capital projects do not include the provision of services within a plan of subdivision.

If you have questions in regards to the new Development Charges Bylaw, please contact:

Policy Planning Division
Community Development Services
City Hall, 100 Wellington Square
P.O. Box 818 Brantford, ON N3T 5R7
(519) 759-4150