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.
- May 13, 2025: The Medium and High-Density Residential DC Deferral Program is now available. For more information on eligibility, please review the summary document. Full program details are below.
- 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 and GO Transit) |
| Region-wide Development Charge Information – As of July 1, 2025 |
| Seaton Water Supply and Sanitary Sewerage Information |
| Seaton Water Supply and Sanitary Sewerage Services Area Specific Development Charge Information - As of July 1, 2025 |
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 |
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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
Background Studies Final Recommendation Report |
| Regional Transit DC By-law and Background Study |
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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
Background Studies
Final Recommendation Report |
| GO Transit DC By-law and Background Study |
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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
Background Studies
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| Seaton Area-Specific DC By-law and Background Study |
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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) programs to encourage and support growth in our community.
| Medium and High-Density Residential DC Deferral Program |
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This optional program allows eligible developers to defer payment of development charges from building permit until first occupancy. Click the links below to learn more about eligibility, application steps, and agreement requirements. |
| Industrial DC Deferral Program |
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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 |
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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. |
| Development Charge Exemptions |
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The Region exemptions certain types of properties and uses from development charges. These exemptions apply to:
For full details and eligibility, please refer to the applicable Development Charges By-law, or contact us. |
Other Development Charge Information
| Annual Treasurers Statement |
| 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 |
| Other Entities |
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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 Durham District School Board (DDSB) |
| Governance |
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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 |
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