Bradford West Gwillimbury to cut development charges and receive $94.8M

What is happening and who it affects

• Bradford West Gwillimbury has committed to reduce development charges (DCs) for all residential types for a three-year period from March 30, 2026 to March 31, 2029.
• Subject to municipal council approval, a signed Canada–Ontario BCSF agreement, federal review, and a municipal Transfer Payment Agreement, the DCRP could provide the town with up to $94.8 million to fund housing-enabling infrastructure.

Key numbers and timelines

• Funding offer: up to $94.8 million.
• DC reduction period: 3 years, from March 30, 2026 to March 31, 2029 (must be approved by town council).
• Town estimate: infrastructure investment plus DC cuts could unlock over 29,000 new homes.
• Estimated builder savings from DC cuts: up to $36,500 per home; combined with up to $130,000 in temporary HST relief, total potential savings per new home could be up to $166,500 (per the release).
• Municipal contribution: municipalities must contribute a minimum of 10% of project costs under the DCRP.

How DCs would be reduced (by area and unit type)

• Single and semi‑detached: 47% (urban and rural); 30% (Bond Head).
• Townhomes: 65% (urban); 63% (rural); 41% (Bond Head).
• Two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments: 65% (urban); 76% (rural); 40% (Bond Head).
• One‑bedroom apartments: 56% (urban); 55% (rural); 35% (Bond Head).

Planned infrastructure projects mentioned

• Upgrade Plant D at the Bradford Water Pollution Control Plant.
• Increase municipal water storage at the John Fennell Reservoir.
• Widen and reconstruct the Line 8 corridor from Sideroad 10 to Barrie Street.
• Build new Church Well infrastructure.

Conditions and next steps

• Funding and project approvals are conditional on federal and provincial agreements, federal review, and a municipal Transfer Payment Agreement.
• The DC reductions only take effect after Bradford West Gwillimbury Council approves them and must remain in effect for three years.

Why it matters

• Lower DCs and targeted infrastructure aim to reduce upfront costs for builders, speed up housing construction, and increase housing supply and choice in Bradford West Gwillimbury.