Are we clear on just what 'development charges' are? Apparently not

By Gazette Staff

July 4th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

For generations, homeownership has been a cornerstone of the Canadian dream. It has represented stability, financial security, community involvement and an opportunity to build wealth over time. But a recent national survey conducted by Abacus Data for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) suggests that while Canadians, particularly younger Canadians, still aspire to own a home, many are losing confidence that they will ever achieve that goal.

The survey of 3,000 Canadians paints a picture that should concern policymakers at all levels of government. The findings reveal a growing gap between aspiration and reality, especially among younger adults who increasingly see homeownership as something they want, but may never attain.

The good news is that the desire to own a home remains remarkably strong. Seven in ten non-homeowners say they still want to own a home someday. Among Canadians aged 18 to 29, that number rises to an astonishing 89 per cent. Even among households earning less than $50,000 annually, six in ten still hope to become homeowners one day.

Those numbers tell us something important. Despite years of rising housing costs, high interest rates and affordability challenges, young Canadians have not abandoned the dream of homeownership. What has changed is their confidence.

According to the survey, only 29 per cent of non-homeowners are confident they will ever be able to buy a home. Among younger Canadians, uncertainty is particularly acute. Forty-two per cent of those aged 18 to 29 say they hope to buy a home someday but are unsure whether it will ever be possible.

Michael Collins-Williams, appearing before Burlington City Council on a development charge issue. Seated is Vince Molinaro.

Michael Collins-Williams, Chief Executive Officer and spokesperson for the WEHBA was testifying at a federal government hearing on development issues.

He made an interesting remark.

“The definition of just what a development charge is in 2005 versus in 2015 versus 2025 is quite different.

The different components that go into development charges have changed significantly over the last couple of decades, and unfortunately, what we’re including in development charges, at least in Ontario today, includes a variety of items that benefit the entire broader community, rather than having that direct nexus between the new housing development and the infrastructure required.

“In my view, a generational wealth transfer or generational inequity that younger people are being saddled with the cost for infrastructure that previous generations were not.”

This is all we were able to pick up – we are working at getting the complete transcript of the hearing.

Development charges are such a hot financial and political topic today that we all must agree on just what development charges are.