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Housing

Hamilton City Council Approves Development Charges Exemption for Housing and Non-Residential Developments

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The City of Hamilton has taken a step to address the housing crisis by approving amendments to the Development Charges (DC) By-law. The amendments include a temporary 20 percent exemption on DCs for all new residential and non-residential developments across Hamilton, starting September 1, 2025, and lasting for two years until August 31, 2027. This exemption is expected to help fast-track housing and non-residential construction activity, supporting the local construction labour force during economic uncertainty.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Hamilton has approved amendments to the Development Charges (DC) By-law to address the housing crisis.
  • A temporary 20 percent exemption on DCs will apply to all new residential and non-residential developments across Hamilton, starting September 1, 2025, and lasting for two years until August 31, 2027.
  • The exemption will have no anticipated impact on the property tax levy in 2025, as its cost is expected to be fully absorbed within the 2025 Council-approved budget.
  • The DC By-law amendments also include a streamlined exemption process for non-profit housing developments, making it easier for qualified organizations to access Development Charge relief without facing costly legal or administrative requirements.
  • The City has extended the temporary DC relief to the manufacturing sector, recognizing the growing pressures facing this sector during economic uncertainty.
  • City Finance staff will provide annual reports on the impact of DC exemptions to ensure transparency and track progress.
  • The City will continue to advocate for infrastructure funding from higher levels of government to help offset the costs of growth and ensure that local taxpayers are not left to absorb the financial impacts of new development.

Statistics:

  • 20% exemption on Development Charges (DCs) for all new residential and non-residential developments across Hamilton.
  • Two-year exemption period, from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027.
  • No anticipated impact on property tax levy in 2025, as cost is expected to be fully absorbed within the 2025 Council-approved budget.
  • Expected to support local construction labour force during economic uncertainty.

Sources:

  • City of Hamilton news release, [no date]
  • Quote from Mayor Andrea Horwath
  • Quote from Marnie Cluckie, City Manager
  • City Finance staff reports on the impact of DC exemptions

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