Overview

Clarington is in the process of updating its Development Charges (DC) Background Study and By-law, as well as developing its first Community Benefits Charges (CBC) Strategy and By-law. There will be opportunities for engagement and feedback throughout the process.

These documents will determine the fees charged when building new developments (for both residential and non-residential properties) in Clarington, which helps fund the infrastructure needed to support new growth, including:

  • Parks and recreation
  • Community centres, libraries and public spaces
  • Roads
  • Streetscape improvements like benches, lighting and trees
  • Fire Services
  • Cultural spaces and public art installations (only applicable under CBC)

WATCH: 2025 DC Study and CBC Strategy Update

On February 3, 2025, Paul Davidson, Manager, Financial Planning and Deputy Treasurer at the Municipality of Clarington, and representatives from Hemson Consulting provided an overview of the 2025 Development Charge Study and Community Benefits Charges Strategy process at the General Government Committee meeting.

A Development Charges (DC) Background Study is a process used to determine the fees charged when a new building permit is issued in Clarington. These Development Charges are used to fund new capital infrastructure to support responsible community growth.

For example, when new houses are built, the neighbourhood may require new roads, signage, sidewalks, parks and libraries. Developers contribute to the cost of this public infrastructure, which helps balance the cost of growth between the developers, future residents or businesses, and the existing community.

Watch: The World of Development Charges (credit: Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario)

A Community Benefit Charge (CBC) strategy allows municipalities to fund additional types of growth-related infrastructure that are not covered by traditional Development Charges (DCs). They’re aimed at funding “soft” services or community benefits that contribute to the quality of life in a community. This could include things like cultural spaces and public art installations.

A CBC Strategy helps identify which community benefits are needed due to growth and development, and if they’re eligible to be funded under CBCs.

Public Meeting Notice

You’re invited to attend a public meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. to share your feedback on Clarington’s proposed development charge (DC) rates and community benefits charges (CBC), as well as their applicable policies. These materials will be available online for review at www.clarington.net/DC-CBC on or before March 24, 2025.

This meeting is an opportunity for the public to review and provide comments on the Development Charges Background Study and proposed By-law, as required under the Development Charges Act, 1997. There will also be an opportunity to review and provide comments on the new Community Benefits Charge Strategy and proposed By-law. After receiving the public’s comments, Council will consider approving an updated DC By-law and a new CBC By-law at a later date.

Join us online or in-person to share your feedback

Date: Monday, April 7, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Place: In person in Council Chambers, Municipal Administrative Centre, 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, or available for viewing online.

How to speak at the public meeting

Any person may attend the public meeting and make written or verbal representation either in support of or in opposition to the study and by-law.

If you are attending online and wish to speak at the public meeting, please pre-register by completing the online form at www.clarington.net/delegations or contact the Clerk’s Division at 905-623-3379 ext. 2109 or clerks@clarington.net by Friday, April 4, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. Once registered, staff will provide further instructions. If you are attending in person, you do not need to pre-register as a delegate to speak at the meeting. Comments received before and at the public meeting will be considered by Council before the adoption of the proposed Development Charges and Community Benefits Charges by-laws.

How to provide comments

Written comments should be sent to 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, L1C 3A6 and directed to Paul Davidson, Manager of Financial Planning/Deputy Treasurer no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 25, 2025 in order to be considered before the passage of the proposed Development Charges and Community Benefits Charges By-laws. Comments can also be sent electronically to PDavidson@clarington.net.