We are no longer accepting expressions of interest for the Development Charge (DC) Waiver Pilot Program. Staff have confirmed funding allocation and next steps for all eligible projects.
The DC Waiver Pilot Program was applicable to new building permit applications for residential developments that are five storeys and above with a signed agreement to provide at least 20% affordable housing. Eligible permit applications were accepted between August 14 and December 31, 2025, with building activity to commence before May 31, 2026. Active developments that are 100% rental residential development of five stories or more, with a building permit issued or submitted to the City of Barrie prior to August 14, 2025, were also eligible.
As outlined in a January 2026 memo to Council, 12 eligible building permit applications were received, as of January 1, 2026. If all applications meet the May 31, 2026 building activity deadline, these projects could deliver 1,946 new housing units, including 456 affordable units secured for a 25-year period.
Program Background
At the August 13, 2025 City Council meeting, Council passed motion 25-G-197 to adopt the DC Waiver Pilot Program. Further updates to the pilot program were made through Mayoral Direction MDIR-009-25.
Following receipt of an October 2025 staff report providing updates on the high level of interest in the program, Council passed motion 25-G-220 at the October 1, 2025 City Council meeting, to increase the DC Waiver upset limit for the pilot program to $80M, to be administered on a first come, first serve basis until the limit is reached, provided the applicants meet all eligibility requirements.
Requirements
The requirements listed below remain available for reference.
Building Permit Application Requirements
| Deadline | A complete building permit application for the residential building must have been received on or before December 31, 2025, by the Building Services department. An accepted building permit application:
|
|---|---|
| Zoning Compliance | If applicable, any Zoning By-law Amendment application must have been approved and in effect, with any holding (H) provisions lifted before December 31, 2025. |
| Site Plan Approval | Conditional Site Plan approval must have be granted by the Executive Director of Development Services before December 31, 2025. |
Construction Activity Requirements
| Building Permit Issuance | The full building permit must be issued prior to May 31, 2026, including:
|
|---|---|
| Building Activity | Construction must commence before May 31, 2026, to be confirmed by the Building Services department through the first inspection request for footings. |
| Inspection Requests | All inspection requests must be submitted through APLI. |
Affordability Requirements
| Legal Agreement Requirements | Owner must enter into a registered agreement with the City of Barrie to provide at least 20% of the housing units as affordable for a term of 25 years. |
|---|---|
| Maximum Rental or Purchase Price | Units must meet the affordability rates as defined by the Affordable Residential Unit Bulletin prepared by the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing. |
| Reporting Requirements | Annual reports to the City providing occupancy rates or sales records of affordable units by March 1st are required for the duration of the agreement. |
| Occupancy Requirements | The affordable units are to be leased/rented/sold to individuals who have resided in the city of Barrie for at least two years before occupying the units. |