Ontario Revisits Development Charges And Parkland Dedication With Bill 197

The provincial government has introduced Bill 197, the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020, which proposes changes to multiple statutes as part of the government's efforts to stimulate the economy. The government clearly sees the development and construction industry as key to its economic recovery strategy. 

Bill 197 revisits the issue of the costs associated with development. The government had proposed sweeping changes to the development charges and parkland dedication regime when it passed Bill 108 in 2019 but had not brought those changes into force. Many of the changes from Bill 108 are now proposed to be rolled back.

Parkland dedication

• Alternative rates of up to one hectare for 300 units for land or up to one hectare for 500 units for cash in lieu will continue to be permitted.