OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 4, 2025 /CNW/ - New research and market intelligence from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) show that development charges account for a significant portion of the cost of a new housing unit in cities across Canada. In Ontario, these charges can represent 8–16% of the price of a new condo and up to 9% of the price of a single-detached home in the City of Toronto.

In his latest article, CMHC's Chief Economist, Mathieu Laberge, shares new data on development charges across 30 municipalities in Canada, highlighting wide variations in what is charged to homebuilders. The article also explores the need for greater data consistency and transparency, as well as potential alternative options to fund municipal infrastructure.

Read the full article on CMHC's website: We built this city on development charges

Quote: 

"Understanding development charges is key to understanding housing supply and affordability across Canada. They shape both the cost of housing and the pace at which communities can grow, while being an important funding source for a broad range of municipal infrastructure. With this new data on municipal development charges and fees, CMHC aims to close data gaps and help inform decision-makers. However, inconsistent standards for how these charges are applied remain a challenge," said Mathieu Laberge, CMHC's Chief Economist.  

Quick Facts:

• As part of the Modernizing Housing Data (MHD) Initiative, created to help close data gaps and develop more timely and granular housing data, CMHC has developed the first data set on municipal development charges and fees.

Related links: 

• Modernizing housing data: Closing the gap for better solutions | CMHC
• Why Canada's housing supply gap exists and how to fix it | CMHC
• Framework for change: Productivity in housing construction | CMHC
• Podcast Explores CMHC Fall 2025 Housing Supply Report | CMHC
• Rental Construction Survey Trends and Insights | CMHC

CMHC plays a critical role as a national convenor to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. CMHC's mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating co-operation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, CMHC contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. CMHC actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable.

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SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)