Durham Region Amends Development Charges By-law Following BILD and DRHBA Appeal Settlement

In a significant move, Durham Region has amended its Development Charges (DC) By-law No. 42-2023 following an appeal by the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and the Durham Region Home Builders' Association (DRHBA), with the support of a group of Durham builder/developer members.  The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) approved a settlement of the appeal which included amendments aimed at addressing substantial concerns regarding the quantum and basis for calculation of Regional development charge rates for roads, water and wastewater.

BILD and DRHBA reach a comprehensive settlement of the appeal which resulted in adjustments being made in respect of all three of these factors. The result was a significant reduction in the development charge rates imposed by the DC By-law, and which reductions could save the development industry approximately $650,000,000 in Regional development charge payments over a 10-year period, or about $65,000,000 per annum.

These amendments are expected to create a more balanced approach to development charges in the region, and to assist in paving the way to delivery of much needed housing in Durham.

Brattys (Helen A. Mihailidi) was proud to play a key role on the appeal team through the establishment and implementation of the funding and cost sharing arrangements related to the appeal, as well as the governance of the relationship among BILD/DRHBA and the Durham builder/developer members.