Development Charges
Development Charges (DCs) are fees collected from developers to help pay for the infrastructure and services needed to support new growth in Durham Region. These charges ensure that the cost of expanding roads, water and wastewater systems, transit, and community facilities is shared fairly by those benefiting from new development, rather than existing taxpayers.
As Durham continues to grow, DCs play a vital role in funding the capital projects that make our communities livable and sustainable. From new paramedic stations to expanded sewer capacity, these investments help maintain quality services across the region.
Updates on Development Charges in Durham Region
- September 9, 2025: Regional Council approved Report #2025-F-14, deferring the scheduled 3.8% indexing of Development Charges to take effect on November 1, 2025 be waived with the annual indexing to next occur as scheduled on July 1, 2026.
- June 10, 2025: Regional Council approved Report #2025-F-13, deferring the scheduled 3.8% indexing of Development Charges from July 1 to November 1, 2025 to provide temporary relief to the development industry.
- March 26, 2025: The Industrial Development Charge Deferral Program is now available. For more information on eligibility, please review the summary document. Full program details are below.
- February 3, 2025: The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) has approved amended Regional Development Charges (DC) rates for the Region of Durham. The new rates are effective as of July 1, 2023 and ensure that growth related capital costs related to essential services like water, wastewater, and transportation are appropriately funded.
Development charge form and application processing system
You can complete and submit the Development Charges Application form online, and track your forms through the application process.
Current Residential and Non-Residential Rates
The following pamphlets summarize the Development Charge Policy of the Regional Municipality of Durham. The information provided is intended only as a guide. Applicants should review the approved by-laws and consult with the Regional Works Department to determine the charges that may apply to specific development proposals.
Region-Wide DC Information (including Transit)
Region-wide Development Charge Information – As of January 1, 2026
Seaton Water Supply and Sanitary Sewerage Information
Seaton Water Supply and Sanitary Sewerage Services Area Specific Development Charge Information - As of January 1, 2026
Development Charge By-laws & Background Studies
Below are links to current Regional Development Charge By-laws, including area-specific charges and amendments. Please refer to these By-laws for detailed information on DC rates, exemptions, and policies.
Region-Wide DC By-law and Background Study
The Region-wide DC By-law applies to residential and non-residential development on all lands in Durham except for the Seaton lands, where separate water and sewerage DCs apply under the Seaton Area-Specific DC By-law. The accompanying Background Study is prepared to determine the DC rates collected for Regional Roads, Regional Police Services, Long Term Care, Paramedic Services, Waste Diversion, Water Supply, and Sanitary Sewerage.
By-laws
- By-law No. 2024-037 By-law to Amend Regional DC By-law No. 42-2023
- By-law #42-2023 Regional Residential and Non-residential Development Charges
Background Studies
Final Recommendation Report
Regional Transit DC By-law and Background Study
The Regional Transit DC By-law applies to residential and non-residential development on all lands in Durham. The accompanying Background Study is prepared to calculate the DCs collected to support Durham Region Transit.
By-laws
- By-law #44-2023 Amending By-law to Regional Transit By-law #39-2022
- By-law #39-2022 Regional Transit Development Charges
Background Studies
- 2023 Regional DC Background Study Supporting Amendments to Regional Transit DC By-law 39-2022
- 2022 Regional Transit DC Background Study and proposed By-law
Final Recommendation Report
GO Transit DC By-law and Background Study
The GO Transit DC By-law applies to residential development on all lands in Durham. These charges are collected and remitted to the Province to fund for growth-related GO Transit projects.
By-laws
- By-law #23-2021 Amending By-law to GO Transit By-law #86-2001
- By-law #31-2018 Amending By-law to Go Transit By-law #86-2001
- By-law #24-2013 Amending by-law to GO Transit By-law #86-2001
- By-law #86-2001 GO Transit Development Charge
Background Studies
- 2023 Regional DC Background Study Supporting Amendments to GO Transit DC By-law 86-2001
- Regional DC Background Study Supporting Amendments to GO Transit DC By-law 86-2001 Study
- Report #2023-F-14 Final Recommendations Regarding Amendments to GO Transit Development Charges By-law #86-2001
- Report #2021-F-17 Final Recommendations Regarding Amendments to GO Transit DC By-law No. 86-2001
- Report #2018-COW-111 Final Recommendations Regarding Amendments to GO Transit DC By-law #86-2001
- Report #2013-F-45 Amendments to GO Transit DC By-law #86-2001
Seaton Area-Specific DC By-law and Background Study
The Seaton Area-Specific Development Charge (ASDC) By-law applies to residential and non-residential development in the Seaton area. The Background Study is prepared to calculate DC rates for Water and Sewerage services in the Seaton area.
By-laws
Background Studies
Final Recommendation Reports
Optional Development Charge Programs
The Region has introduced the following Development Charge (DC) program to encourage and support growth in our community.
Industrial DC Deferral Program
This optional program allows eligible developers to defer the payment of Industrial DCs until occupancy and pay the balance of DCs over five years. Click the links below to learn more about eligibility, application steps, and agreement requirements.
Regional Development Charge Incentives
The Region supports redevelopment projects through various incentive programs. Please review the programs below for more details.
Reduction of Development Charges for Redevelopment
If a building or structure on a property is demolished or converted within five years prior to the payment of development charges, the charges may be reduced based on the type and size of the original structure. For full details and eligibility, please refer to the applicable Development Charges By-law, or contact us.
The Region exemptions certain types of properties and uses from development charges. These exemptions apply to:
- Agricultural uses and farm buildings
- Places of worship
- Public Hospitals
- Parking Areas
- Free-standing roof-like structures
- University lands
For full details and eligibility, please refer to the applicable Development Charges By-law, or contact us.
Other Development Charge Information
Each year, the Region publishes Treasurer’s Statements detailing the financial activity of Development Charge (DC) reserve funds. These reports promote transparency and accountability by showing how DCs are collected, managed, and spent to support growth-related infrastructure. Use the links below to view the latest statements.
2025 Annual Development Charge Reserve Statement
2024 Annual Development Charge Reserve Statement
2023 Annual Development Charge Reserve Statement
Each area municipality within the Region also levies its own Development Charges (DCs) to fund local services. Use the links below to access DC information specific to each municipality.
Ajax
Brock
Clarington
Pickering
Oshawa
Scugog
Uxbridge
Whitby
Under the Education Act and Ontario Regulation 20/98, school boards across Ontario are authorized to impose Education Development Charges (EDCs). Use the links below to access each boards Development Charge information.
Durham District School Board (DDSB)
Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB)
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSC)
The following legislation forms the foundation of Ontario’s development charge framework, guiding how municipalities fund infrastructure to support new growth.
Development Charges Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 27
O. Reg. 82/98
O. Reg. 454/19
Affordable Residential Units for the Purposes of the Development Charges Act, 1997 Bulletin
COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 18
Bill 73, Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Bill 108, More Homes, More Choice Act, 2019
Bill 109, More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022
Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
Bill 134, Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, 2023
Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024
Bill 17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025
Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025