The Town of Whitby is inviting residents to share their feedback on a proposed new charge for high-density residential developments during a public meeting on April 27, 2026. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, located at 575 Rossland Road East.
The proposed Community Benefits Charge is a new financial tool that would allow the Town to collect funds from developers to support infrastructure projects needed as the community grows. These projects include new parks, library services, road improvements, parking facilities, public art, and contributions toward hospital infrastructure.
The charge would apply only to new buildings that are five storeys or taller and contain 10 or more residential units. The amount developers would pay is capped by provincial legislation at four per cent of the land value, calculated the day before a building permit is issued. Certain types of projects, such as long-term care homes, retirement homes, universities, non-profit housing, and affordable or attainable housing, are exempt from these charges.
The Town of Whitby has experienced rapid growth and is working toward a goal of adding 18,000 new homes by 2031, with the local population expected to reach 190,000 by that time. According to a strategy report prepared by Hemson Consulting, the town anticipates roughly 4,743 new occupied dwellings in buildings that would be subject to this charge over the next decade. While the town has identified $3.8 million in eligible infrastructure costs, the four per cent cap on developer charges is expected to generate between $2.6 million and $3.1 million, creating a funding shortfall.
Following the public meeting, the proposal will go to the Committee of the Whole on May 11, 2026. Council is expected to make a final decision on the by-law on May 25, 2026. Residents or developers with questions regarding the proposed charges can contact the town’s Manager of Development Finance, Raymond Law, at [email protected].
