A proposed standardized approach for divulging development charges (DCs) to new homebuyers in Ontario would require builders to disclose the full amount in the vendor section of the agreement of purchase and sale (APS). This would reflect either the known or calculated final amount based on the municipal DC bylaw in effect at the time the building permit is issued.

The Ontario government has laid out its proposal, which also includes administrative monetary penalties for vendors that do not comply, in a consultation paper posted on the provincial regulatory registry. If adopted, the new requirement would replace the practice of including DCs as a closing price adjustment in the addendum to the APS.

“Currently builders may include DCs in the sale price of their homes and may not disclose the full amount of DCs paid by purchasers in the addenda to new home purchase agreements. Purchasers may have varying levels of awareness of the DCs they pay, depending on the builder’s approach, and whether purchasers research DCs on municipal websites,” the consultation paper states.

The government is seeking input on the potential costs and complications of its proposed approach for vendors and its perceived helpfulness for purchasers. Respondents are also asked about possible alternative ways to impart the information. The consultation is open for submissions until September 18, 2026.