Ontario and Canadian government announced today that the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury (BWG) is receiving up to $94.8 million through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP). The funding is tied to BWG’s promise to reduce its development charges on new homes by up to 76 per cent, depending on the unit type and area, between March 30 and March 31, 2029. The funding will help build more homes and community infrastructure in Bradford West Gwillimbury while advancing the province’s plan to join projects that support economic growth. “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 at the announcement in BWG. “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,” Ford said. The reduction in development charges over the three-year period is expected 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. Joining Ford at today’s announcement, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack said, “Across Ontario, there is a need for critical infrastructure and housing of all types to support our fast-growing communities. “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.” In March 2026, Ontario and the federal governments 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 provide relief on the full HST on eligible 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. 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. “This partnership is a major investment in BWG’s future,” said BEG Mayor James Leduc “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.” Development charge rates would be reduced as follows: The reduction of development charges takes effect after it’s approved 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 Bradford West Gwillimbury with up to $94.8 million to support infrastructure projects in communities across Bradford West Gwillimbury including: As part of the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build, the DCRP is delivering funding across 10 years for housing-enabling infrastructure projects. Funding is being prioritized for municipalities that reduce development charges for all residential types by 30 to 50 per cent or greater and maintain the reductions for at least three years
