Town receiving up to $94.8 million for infrastructure in exchange for reducing development charges for three years
BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY, ON, Aug. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the governments of Ontario and Canada announced that the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury is receiving up to $94.8 million through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP) in recognition of its commitment to reduce development charges by up to 76 per cent, depending on the unit type and area, from March 30, 2026, to March 31, 2029. The funding will help build more homes and community infrastructure in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury while advancing the province's plan to protect Ontario by investing in projects that support economic growth and keep workers on the job.
The reduction in development charges over this three-year period is estimated to reduce the cost of building new homes by up to $36,500 per home. When combined with the up to $130,000 in savings enabled through the expanded HST relief on eligible new homes, these initiatives could save Bradford West Gwillimbury families up to $166,500 off the cost of a new home.
In March 2026, the Government of Canada and Ontario agreed to a cost-matched structure to provide a combined $8.8 billion over 10 years for infrastructure investments in Ontario, with Canada's share of the funding flowing through the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF). The two governments also agreed to remove the full HST on new homes from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, saving homebuyers up to $130,000 off the cost of a new home. This is in addition to cost reductions for builders through the DCRP.
The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury estimates that the construction cost savings over the development charge reduction period, along with the investment in housing-enabling infrastructure would unlock over 29,000 new homes, supporting a housing market with more choice and greater affordability for homebuyers and renters.
Development charge rates would be reduced as follows:
Single and semi-detached homes
- 47 per cent in urban and rural areas
- 30 per cent in Bond Head
Townhomes
- 65 per cent in urban areas and 63 per cent in rural areas
- 41 per cent in Bond Head
Two- and three-bedroom apartments
- 65 per cent in urban areas and 76 per cent in rural areas
- 40 per cent in Bond Head
One-bedroom apartments
- 56 per cent in urban areas and 55 per cent in rural areas
- 35 per cent in Bond Head
The reduction of development charges will take effect following approval by Bradford West Gwillimbury Council and must remain in effect for three years. Subject to the signing of a Canada-Ontario BCSF agreement, further due diligence by both governments and the signing of an Ontario-municipal Transfer Payment Agreement, the DCRP will provide the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury with up to $94.8 million to support infrastructure projects in communities across Bradford West Gwillimbury that will unlock housing, including:
- Upgrading Plant D at the Bradford Water Pollution Control Plant
- Increasing municipal water storage at the John Fennell Reservoir
- Widening and reconstructing the Line 8 corridor from Sideroad 10 to Barrie Street
- Building new Church Well infrastructure
As part of the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build, the DCRP is delivering funding over 10 years for housing-enabling infrastructure projects. Funding is being prioritized for municipalities that reduce development charges for all residential types by 30 per cent to 50 per cent or greater and maintain the reductions for at least three years.
Quotes
"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. Today's investment will support infrastructure projects that enable the construction of tens of thousands of new homes, creating good-paying jobs and make the dream of homeownership a reality for families in Bradford West Gwillimbury."
The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
"Together, we're building Ontario and Canada strong. 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."
Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Member of Parliament for Ajax
"Across Ontario there is a need for critical infrastructure and housing of all types to support our fast-growing communities. 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 city 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 with reach for more Bradford West Gwillimbury families."
Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
"This partnership is a major investment in BWG's future. 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."
James Leduc, Mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury
"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, Member of Provincial Parliament for Newmarket--Aurora
"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
Quick Facts
- Funding through the DCRP will support vital housing-enabling infrastructure projects, such as water/wastewater systems, roads, bridges, transit, fire stations and police detachments, along with community features to establish and enrich neighbourhoods like libraries or recreation centres.
- Federal funding for the projects is subject to the signing of the Canada-Ontario BCSF bilateral agreement, as well as federal review and approval of project funding.
- Receipt of the funding, and confirmation of approved projects, will be subject to the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury entering into a Transfer Payment Agreement with Ontario and complying with program requirements.
- Municipalities must contribute a minimum of 10 per cent of project costs as part of the DCRP.
- Of 444 municipalities in Ontario, more than 200 currently levy development charges
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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Arianna Durgerian, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Hannah Jensen, Premier's Office, [email protected]; Michael Minzak, Minister Flack's Office, [email protected]; Communications Branch, [email protected]
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