Canada and Ontario Give Petrolia Up to C$2.3 Million as the Town Eliminates Development Charges: New-Home Costs to Fall by Up to C$11,695 a Home
The Governments of Canada and Ontario announced in Petrolia, Ontario, on November 9 that the town, which has committed to eliminating development charges for all housing types from March 30, 2026 to March 31, 2029, will receive up to C$2.3 million through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP) for housing-enabling and community infrastructure.
The two governments estimate that eliminating the charges over three years will lower the cost of building a new home in Petrolia by up to C$11,695 per home. Combined with full HST relief on eligible new homes from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, which saves buyers up to C$130,000, families in Petrolia could save up to C$141,695 on a new home. The town estimates the savings and infrastructure investment would unlock 781 new homes.
In March 2026, Canada and Ontario agreed a cost-matched structure providing a combined C$8.8 billion over 10 years for Ontario infrastructure, with Canada's share flowing through the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF). The DCRP prioritises municipalities that cut development charges for all residential types by 30 to 50 percent or more for at least three years, and municipalities must contribute at least 10 percent of project costs. Petrolia's funding, subject to agreements and due diligence, will support fire service equipment and vehicles, parks and recreation facilities, and public works equipment. (Source: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada)
Source: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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