09/17/2026
Canada Fee Cuts Could Unlock Supply
Development fees play a significant role in shaping new-home affordability across Canada, and recent findings from our national housing agency shed light on just how impactful these costs can be. Cutting development fees could make around 14% more residential projects financially viable, with cities like Toronto and Vancouver seeing the biggest potential gains—Toronto alone could meet half its stated supply needs if these charges are eliminated. It’s interesting to note the range in fees: Calgary’s sit between about $4,000 for a one-bedroom high-rise and $9,000 for detached homes, while Vancouver’s comparable fees are much steeper, at $20,000 to $33,000.
Of course, these fees fund important infrastructure—roads, sewers, and community administration—so finding the right balance is key. But lowering charges, especially on family-sized homes, could make a real difference for families searching for larger, more affordable options in high-cost markets. Here in the Shuswap, I’m always watching for ways policy shifts might open up new opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Making the path to homeownership smoother and less stressful is at the heart of what I do.