Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury is set to receive up to $94.8 million from the federal and Ontario governments to build housing-enabling infrastructure after committing to reduce development charges by as much as 76 per cent.
Funding through the Development Charge Reduction Program and is intended to help the fast-growing Simcoe County municipality build water, road and other infrastructure to support new housing.
The town has committed to reducing development charges for residential construction for three years, from March 30, 2026, to March 31, 2029, a move officials say could unlock more than 29,000 new homes.
The development charge reductions are estimated to cut the cost of building a new home by as much as $36,500 per unit.
“In response to President Trump’s latest tariffs, our government is doing everything we can to lower costs for families, keep workers on the job and get shovels in the ground faster on new homes,” Premier Doug Ford said in a news release. “Today’s investment will support infrastructure projects that enable the construction of tens of thousands of new homes, creating good-paying jobs and making the dream of homeownership a reality for families in Bradford West Gwillimbury.”
The development charge reductions will apply to different housing types at varying rates.
- For single and semi-detached homes, charges will be reduced by 47 per cent in urban and rural areas and by 30 per cent in Bond Head.
- Townhouse development charges will be reduced by 65 per cent in urban areas, 63 per cent in rural areas and 41 per cent in Bond Head.
- For two- and three-bedroom apartments, reductions will be 65 per cent in urban areas, 76 per cent in rural areas and 40 per cent in Bond Head.
- One-bedroom apartment charges will be reduced by 56 per cent in urban areas, 55 per cent in rural areas and 35 per cent in Bond Head.
Reductions still require approval by Bradford West Gwillimbury council and must remain in place for three years.
Several major projects are expected to be impacted, including an upgrade to Plant D at the Bradford Water Pollution Control Plant, increased municipal water storage at the John Fennell Reservoir, widening and reconstruction of the Line 8 corridor from Sideroad 10 to Barrie Street, and new Church Well infrastructure.
A series of agreements and approvals are still needed, including a Canada-Ontario Build Communities Strong Fund agreement and an Ontario-municipal transfer payment agreement.
Municipalities participating in the Development Charge Reduction Program must contribute at least 10 per cent of project costs.
“Across Ontario, there is a need for critical infrastructure and housing of all types to support our fast-growing communities,” Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack said. “That is why our government continues to deliver programs like the Development Charge Reduction Program alongside our federal partners.”
Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor James Leduc said the funding will help the municipality keep pace with growth.
“This partnership is a major investment in BWG’s future,” Leduc said. “The $94.8 million funding will allow us to develop the water, road and fire infrastructure our growing community needs for responsible growth.”
