The Development Charge (DC) Waiver Program is a pilot program for new building permit applications for residential developments that are 5 storeys and above with a signed agreement to provide at least 20% affordable housing. Eligible permit applications must be received 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, are also eligible.
On August 13, 2025, 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 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.
How to Apply
To express your interest in the DC Waiver Program, and confirm conditional funding allocation for your eligible project, please contact Shelby White, Supervisor of Growth Management (Housing), at Shelby.White@barrie.ca or 705-739-4220 x4517. In your email, please include the following information:
- Contact information for the owner and agent/applicant (if applicable)
- Project address
- Project status, including all development application file numbers
- How many affordable and market units you’re seeking DC exemptions for, by unit size (number of bedrooms) and tenure (rental or ownership)
- Anticipated construction timelines, including any phasing
Requirements
Building Permit Application Requirements
| Deadline | A complete building permit application for the residential building must be received on or before December 31, 2025. |
|---|---|
| Zoning compliance | If applicable, any Zoning By-law Amendment application must be approved and in effect, with any holding (H) provisions lifted before December 31, 2025. |
| Site Plan approval | Conditional Site Plan approval must 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:
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|---|---|
| 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. |