After many months of advocacy in support of the West End Home Builders Association, we are pleased with today’s decision by City Council to support of the staff recommendations for a two-year 20% across the board development charges temporary reduction commencing on September 1, 2025 and concluding on August 31, 2027. Click here to read more.

In a letter to Council, Hamilton Chamber President & CEO Greg Dunnett said the following: 

The Hamilton Chamber continues to urge Council to adopt a temporary 50% reduction in Development Charges. This strategic and time-limited intervention would send a clear message to developers, employers, and investors that Hamilton is serious about building – not just for today, but for the future. A deeper reduction in DCs would help catalyze activity in key sectors, reinforce affordability, and strengthen our city’s economic resilience.

We also recommend that Council implement bi-annual assessment reports to measure the realtime impact of the DC reduction. Annual reporting alone is not sufficient to ensure the agility needed to respond to emerging trends and to course-correct if necessary. More frequent evaluations will allow the City to maximize the effectiveness of this policy and adjust it as conditions evolve.

Hamilton has an opportunity to lead – not with half-measures, but with decisive action that demonstrates our commitment to long-term prosperity. By reducing DCs more significantly and assessing the results more regularly, we can accelerate growth, improve affordability, and build the foundation for a more vibrant and competitive city.

We urge you to seize this moment and take bold steps to shape a stronger Hamilton – today and for the generations to come.

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