The governments of Ontario and Canada are committing up to $94.8 million to Bradford West Gwillimbury for housing-related infrastructure as the municipality prepares to significantly reduce development charges for new residential construction over a three-year period.
The funding, announced Aug. 28, will flow through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP) and is intended to support water, road and fire infrastructure needed to accommodate future housing. In exchange, Bradford West Gwillimbury plans to reduce residential development charges by as much as 76 per cent, depending on the type and location of the housing.
Development Charge Cuts Aim to Lower New-Home Costs
The reduced development charges are expected to remain in place from March 30, 2026, through March 31, 2029, subject to approval by Bradford West Gwillimbury council.
Ontario estimates the reductions could lower construction costs by as much as $36,500 per home.
Combined with expanded HST relief of up to $130,000 on eligible new homes, the governments say qualifying buyers could potentially see total savings of as much as $166,500.
“In response to President Trump’s latest tariffs, our government is doing everything we can to lower costs for families, keep workers on the job and get shovels in the ground faster on new homes,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s investment will support infrastructure projects that enable the construction of tens of thousands of new homes, creating good-paying jobs and making the dream of homeownership a reality for families in Bradford West Gwillimbury.”
Development charge reductions vary by housing type and location. Single and semi-detached homes would receive reductions of 47 per cent in urban and rural areas and 30 per cent in Bond Head.
Townhomes would see charges fall by 65 per cent in urban areas, 63 per cent in rural areas and 41 per cent in Bond Head. Two- and three-bedroom apartments would receive reductions ranging from 40 per cent in Bond Head to 76 per cent in rural areas.
Infrastructure Investment Could Unlock More Than 29,000 Homes
Bradford West Gwillimbury estimates the combination of lower development charges and new infrastructure investment could help unlock more than 29,000 homes.
“This partnership is a major investment in BWG’s future,” said James Leduc, Mayor, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. “The $94.8 million funding will allow us to develop the water, road and fire infrastructure our growing community needs for responsible growth. We thank the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada for their continued partnership and commitment to Bradford West Gwillimbury.”
Projects identified for potential funding include upgrades to Plant D at the Bradford Water Pollution Control Plant, additional municipal water storage at the John Fennell Reservoir, reconstruction and widening of the Line 8 corridor from Sideroad 10 to Barrie Street, and new Church Well infrastructure.
“Across Ontario, there is a need for critical infrastructure and housing of all types to support our fast-growing communities,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “That is why our government continues to deliver programs like the Development Charge Reduction Program alongside our federal partners, which helps provide municipalities like Bradford West Gwillimbury with the funding they need to ensure their town remains a desirable place to live, work and raise a family. Congratulations to Mayor Leduc and the Bradford West Gwillimbury Town Council for demonstrating incredible leadership and working with us to bring the dream of homeownership within reach for more Bradford West Gwillimbury families.”
Federal-Provincial Partnership Targets Housing Supply
The DCRP forms part of a broader Canada-Ontario infrastructure partnership. The two governments agreed in March to a cost-matched structure providing a combined $8.8 billion over 10 years for infrastructure investment in Ontario, with the federal contribution flowing through the Build Communities Strong Fund.
“Together, we’re building Ontario and Canada strong,” said Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Member of Parliament for Ajax. “By partnering with Ontario, the federal government is helping speed up housing construction by lowering up-front costs and investing in housing-enabling infrastructure projects — building strong, resilient communities that boost housing supply and drive economic opportunities.”
The Bradford West Gwillimbury funding remains subject to several conditions, including a signed Canada-Ontario BCSF agreement, government due diligence and an Ontario-municipal Transfer Payment Agreement. Municipalities participating in the DCRP must also contribute at least 10 per cent of project costs.
“Investments like this are exactly what municipalities need right now. At a time of global uncertainty, Ontario will continue to protect this province by providing infrastructure investments that support the workers and businesses that truly drive our economy forward. The $94.8 million in infrastructure funding for Bradford West Gwillimbury will help unlock new housing development while supporting the creation of good-paying jobs. Together, we can make homeownership more attainable for young families.”
— Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP, Newmarket—Aurora
Builders Welcome Infrastructure Commitment
The development industry said the investment could improve project economics while supporting construction employment and housing supply.
“The Building Industry and Land Development Association applauds all three levels of government for working together on an infrastructure investment solution that will support homes and employment opportunities in the growing community of Bradford West Gwillimbury. This is exciting news for local jobs and growth, while supporting new homebuyers and helping to assist project viability. The Ontario government is again standing by their commitment to protect families and workers with this significant and meaningful investment for the sustainable future of the people and communities of Bradford West Gwillimbury.”
— Dave Wilkes, President and CEO, Building Industry and Land Development Association
With more than 200 of Ontario’s 444 municipalities currently levying development charges, the program represents an effort to use infrastructure funding as an incentive for municipalities to lower upfront residential construction costs. For Bradford West Gwillimbury, the planned reductions and infrastructure upgrades are intended to support a substantial expansion of housing while ensuring municipal services keep pace with growth.