The City of Barrie is committed to maintaining affordability, supporting a diverse range of housing options, and being responsive to the needs of the business community. The Development Charge Deferral Policy takes a balanced approach of acknowledging the critical role that development charges play in funding growth-related infrastructure, of minimizing any impact on existing taxpayers, while also being considerate of the needs of the development and business communities.
This policy sets out the rules and procedures governing Development Charge deferrals and was developed in response to Mayoral Direction MDIR005-25, issued on May 9, 2025.
Key Highlights
As outlined in an August 2025 staff report, key highlights of the Development Charge Deferral Policy are:
- Applicability: all Residential and Non-Residential developments
- Deferral Period: earlier of the date of first occupancy or two years from building permit issuance.
- Interest paid: no interest paid during deferral period
- Security Requirements: DCs must be fully secured prior to building permit issuance through cash, Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds, or other acceptable instruments under the City’s Securities Policy. Securities will be drawn upon expiration of the deferral period.
- Policy Period: 12-month pilot period, Council may extend