Development Charges, Community Benefits Charges and Parkland Dedication

Current Development Charge Rates and Information

Development Charges By-law & Development Charges Update Study

As a result of Provincial changes to Development Charges Legislation, the City has amended DC By-law 19-142

Development Charge Background Study

At the June 12, 2019 meeting, City Council repealed DC By-law 14-153 and enacted a new 2019 DC By-law effective June 13, 2019.

Development Charges Information Pamphlets

DC rates will be indexed 9.51% effective July 6, 2022 to July 5, 2023.

Pamphlets under DC 19-142:

Development Charges and Bill 108

Effective January, 1, 2020 the Province amended the Development Charges Act, 1997 and the timing of when development charges are calculated.

Please refer to the table below for guidance regarding what DC pamphlet will apply for which type of DC.

  DC Pamphlet to use DC Pamphlet to use
Situation City DC, GO DC, Dun/Wat SAC Education DCs
A complete application for site plan or zoning amendment was made prior to January 1, 2020 DC Pamphlet in effect at permit issuance ** DC Pamphlet in effect at permit issuance

A complete application for site plan or zoning amendment was made on or after January 1, 2020

 DC Pamphlet in effect at the later application date plus interest using the tool below to permit issuance DC Pamphlet in effect at permit issuance
The development is not subject to a site plan or zoning amendment application DC Pamphlet in effect at permit issuance **

DC Pamphlet in effect at permit issuance

** The City offers a transition policy based on complete building permit application date for 6 months following a DC rate increase which may permit the pamphlet in effect at building permit application to be applied.

Rental Housing and Institutional Developments will pay DCs in six equal annual payments commencing at occupancy. Non-profit housing developments will pay DCs in 21 equal annual payments. Development Charge Instalment Declaration Form (PDF, 108 KB)

Tool to Calculate Interest 

DC Deferral Program

The City accepts industrial DC Deferral applications. Also, the City is currently accepting a limited number of non-industrial DC Deferral applications. Unless otherwise stated, the DC Deferral program has available capacity and is continuing to accept applications. Allocations will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis until the program has reached capacity.

Eligible non-industrial developments:

  • Non-residential
  • High density residential
  • Mixed-use

Not eligible to apply:

  • Low and medium density residential developments
  • Developments located within the Downtown Hamilton Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA)

A minimum Development Charge of $50,000 is required in order to apply.

Deferral Program Application form (PDF, 24 KB)

Applications may be emailed to [email protected] with the corresponding $750 application fee delivered, in person, within 2 business days. Application fees will be returned for any applications that are submitted after the available funds have been allocated.

Development Charges By-laws

Education Board DC By-laws

Annual Treasurer’s Statement

2020 Treasurer’s Statement:

Contact us

For questions or inquiries related to Development Charges, contact:

Development  Charge Request
Phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 4400
Email: [email protected]