On March 2, 2026, the Burlington City Council held a special meeting to find new ways to build more homes and improve affordability in Burlington, Ontario. The council directed staff to research different strategies to support new construction, including the possibility of expanding affordable rental programs.
One major option being considered is a temporary reduction or removal of development charges, which are the fees builders pay the city to help cover the cost of local infrastructure. By offering this short-term relief, the city hopes to encourage developers to move forward with housing projects that have been delayed by high interest rates and rising costs.
To protect local taxpayers, the city plans to fund these housing initiatives using federal resources such as the Housing Accelerator Fund rather than property taxes. This approach is intended to boost the number of available homes in the community without causing a rate hike for residents.
City staff, including the Chief Financial Officer and the Department of Development and Growth Management, are now preparing a report on these options. The findings are expected to be presented to the Committee of the Whole on April 13, 2026, to determine the next steps for the city’s housing strategy.
