Niagara-on-the-Lake to Raise Planning and Building Fees in 2026
Starting next year, residents and developers in Niagara-on-the-Lake will face increased costs for building permits and planning approvals. The town is raising various fees and introducing new ones to address a $1.67 million shortfall between planning program expenses and planning fee revenues.
Details of the Fee Increases
- Building permit fees for new construction and additions on single-detached, semi-detached, and duplex homes will increase from $1.41 to $2.16 per square foot.
- Zoning bylaw amendment planning fees will rise to $14,980 from $9,260.
- Official plan amendments will increase to $13,940 from $9,385.
- Base charges for draft plans of subdivisions will jump from $10,400 to $18,800.
- Additional fees per lot per block will more than double, going from $170 to $370.
- Approval fees for final plans will double, increasing to $4,280 from $1,975.
- Standard site plan applications will climb to $14,680 from $9,070.
Expert Explanation
“Niagara-on-the-Lake’s planning fees haven’t been updated since 2005, while building fees were last reviewed in 2018—an adjustment based only on market conditions at that time. It’s time for an update,” said Derek Ali, an engineer from DFA Infrastructure International Inc., which conducted the town’s fee review.
Ali emphasized that the current fees do not cover the costs, leading to the $1.67 million deficit the town aims to eliminate through these changes.
Financial Impact
The fee increases reflect the town’s effort to align its revenue with the actual cost of running planning programs, ensuring sustainable funding for future development oversight and approvals.
Summary: Niagara-on-the-Lake plans substantial fee hikes for building permits and planning approvals to address a $1.67 million deficit, marking the first major update since 2005.
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