Ontario Construction News staff writer
Thorold city council has approved recommendations from the Building Fee Study Report, while delaying the implementation of a revised fee schedule to give the local construction industry more time to adjust.
The decision was made during a special council meeting on April 21, 2026, where the study was presented in consultation with the Niagara Home Builders Association (NHBA). Council voted to receive the report and adopt recommendations but postponed the new fee structure until Nov. 1.
“This decision reflects a measured and responsible approach,” said Mayor Terry Ugulini. “We are supporting the industry today while ensuring long-term sustainability for our community.”
The municipality has not increased building permit fees since 2018. However, a recent study concluded that updates to the fee schedule are now warranted to better align costs with growth-related infrastructure demands.
Staff noted that while the updated fee structure is intended to maintain the principle that growth should pay for growth, immediate implementation could have negative impacts on the recovering home building sector and new home sales activity.
Following consultation with the NHBA, staff and industry representatives supported delaying the rollout in alignment with broader provincial and federal efforts aimed at sustaining housing market recovery.
The Niagara Home Builders Association welcomed the decision and emphasized the importance of ongoing consultation between municipalities and the residential construction sector.
“The Niagara Home Builders Association is grateful to Thorold Council and staff for their continued consultation and open dialogue throughout the study process, as well as for taking the concerns of its members into careful consideration,” said Chuck McShane, CEO of the NHBA. “This collaborative approach has provided an important opportunity for meaningful engagement between the municipality and the residential construction sector and will benefit new home purchasers.”
