At a special meeting of Regional Council on June 14, 2023, council voted 26-1 in favour of approving the new development charge bylaw.

The Durham Region Home Builders' Association, in partnership with BILD, have been working with Daryl Keleher (formerly of Altus Group) and Julie Bottos of SCS Consulting to review the DC background study and provide commentary.  Despite the consultants' feedback to Regional staff, the quantum remained unchanged when it went before council.  

DRHBA sent correspondence to council ahead of the meeting and received this response from the Region.

At the meeting, Regional Councillors Leahy and Yamada brought forward an amendment to provide a freeze on development charges for two years specifically for industrial sites greater than 100,000 sq. ft.  That amendment was defeated 23-3.

During discussion, Regional Councillor Nicholson expressed a desire to create separate categories for condo units and purpose-built rental units.  He believes that the private sector needs to be incentivized to build purpose-built units for low-to-medium income residents. 

Regional Chair Henry asked staff if the Region was the first to go through a DC update since the new provincial legislation, and staff said yes, with the exception of a few smaller municipalities.  Chair Henry also asked if other regions/municipalities will be seeing the increased costs and staff said they would.

Regional Councillor Chapman asked for a recorded vote, and the motion to approve won 26-1, with Regional Councillor Jubb voting against.

DRHBA and BILD, along with our consultants, will be hosting a meeting with interested members on June 21, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. to gauge interest and discuss a possible appeal.  If you are interested in attending this meeting, please contact Stacey.