A growing municipality requires investment in growth related infrastructure to service new development. Development charges are fees that are paid by new development to fund the capital cost of services constructed throughout the county. Development charges play an important part in how growth related infrastructure is financed. Each new or expanded residential and non-residential development requires increased municipal infrastructure and services in order to function efficiently and effectively.

The County has a County-wide development charge that applies to the following County services:

  • Growth-related studies
  • Ambulance services
  • Long-term care
  • Services related to a highway 
  • Waste diversion
  • Library (not applicable in the City of Woodstock)

Water and wastewater development charges are area specific with a unique charge for each of the 11 fully serviced areas.

Development charges for area municipal services can be found on their respective municipal websites, depending in which area municipality that the development occurs.

There are currently no education related development charges in Oxford County.

 

Background study

2024 DC Background StudyAt least every 10 years, Oxford County and area municipalities conduct development charges background studies to forecast future residential and non-residential growth to determine infrastructure needs and costs. This information is used to calculate the amount of money that new development needs to pay in order to cover the cost of new infrastructure and services.

Oxford County is currently in the process of updating its development charge policy, by-law and underlying background study. To share information and receive public input on the proposed changes, the County is hosting a public meeting: 

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
Oxford County Administration Building - Council Chamber

For more information or to learn how to provide input or delegate at the public meeting, please read the public notice. 

This meeting will be broadcast live as part of the regular Oxford County Council meeting at www.oxfordcounty.ca/livestream 

For more information about the Background Study or to view the full range of study documents, visit www.speakup.oxfordcounty.ca/development-charges-update 

 

Resources

Municipal Development Charges By-laws

In addition to the County Development Charges, most area municipalities in Oxford County also have Development Charges by-laws. Select a municipality below to see their by-laws.