FAQs

Development changes are fees collected from developers by the County of Brant at the time a building permit is issued to help pay for the capital costs of infrastructure required to provide municipal services to new development. These costs are in addition to any costs associated with internal infrastructure required as part of the subdivision agreement.

The Development Charges Background Study identifies all known capital projects that are required in whole or in part, to support future growth.  From that, calculations are done to account for the benefit to existing..., maintaining consistent service levels, and any other known contributions. The remaining cost attributed to new development is split between the number of units anticipated over the period of the study.

Development charges are used to fund various infrastructure projects that support growth and development in the County. Some of these project include:

1. Transportation infrastructure: Funding road expansions, improvements, and maintenance to accommodate increased traffic due to new developments.

2. Water and sewage systems: Financing the construction or upgrades of water treatment plants and pipelines to ensure adequate water supply and wastewater management.

3. Parks and recreational facilities: Building new parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and community centers to meet the recreational needs of residents.

4. Emergency services: Supporting the construction of fire stations and other emergency service facilities to maintain public safety.

Development charges should not be used for purposes unrelated to growth-related infrastructure. Some examples include:

1. Operating expenses such as utilities or maintenance expenses for existing infrastructure. These ongoing expenses are funded through property taxes or other revenue sources.

2. General services such as administrative expenses or general public services that benefit the entire community.

3. Retroactive infrastructure such as projects that have already been completed or reimbursements for past expenditures that were not originally covered by development charges.

Please see the Development Charges By-law Information pamphlet for details.