Essex municipalities to cut housing development charges through 2030

Ontario and Canada announced up to $105.8 million for housing-enabling infrastructure in Essex County. Municipalities will reduce or eliminate development charges on all housing types, with relief running from March 30, 2026, to December 31, 2030, depending on the municipality.

• Expected impact: The charge reductions could lower new-home construction costs by up to $40,862 per home. The governments estimate the reductions and infrastructure investment could unlock 36,372 homes in the region.
• Local reductions: Essex County plans to eliminate charges in 2026 and 2027, then reduce them by 75% in 2028, 50% in 2029 and 25% in 2030. LaSalle plans to eliminate charges through March 31, 2029. Essex, Lakeshore, Kingsville and Tecumseh plan 50% reductions through that date.
• Infrastructure: Funding can support projects such as water and wastewater systems, roads, bridges, transit, fire stations, police detachments, libraries and recreation centres.
• Conditions: Municipalities must contribute at least 10% of project costs. Funding and projects remain subject to required agreements, reviews and approvals.