Development fees are a hot topic in Toronto real estate, and for good reason. According to a recent national housing agency study, reducing these fees could make about 14% more new residential projects financially viable—a substantial boost for our city’s housing supply. In Toronto, eliminating these charges could help us meet up to half of our stated supply goals. To put it in perspective: Calgary’s development fees for a one-bedroom high-rise run around $4,000, while detached homes are closer to $9,000. Compare that to Vancouver, where similar units face fees from $20,000 up to $33,000.
Of course, these fees do fund essential infrastructure—roads, sewers, the everyday workings of our communities—so a balance is needed. But as someone who’s spent 24 years helping families and investors navigate Toronto’s ever-changing market, I see how lower fees on family-sized homes could make a real difference. Larger new units here are often pricier than comparable resale homes, making it tough for families who need more space. If easing development charges means more viable projects and better options for buyers, that’s a conversation worth having for our city’s future.
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