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, the County and its 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 and seven local area municipalities worked together in 2024 to update their development charge background studies to prepare to pass new development charge by-laws. Oxford County's 2024 Development Charge Background Study was released April 12, 2024, with an Addendum posted on June 10, 2024 following the passing of Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act. 

Oxford County's updated development charges rates, by-law and policy were passed by County Council on June 12, 2024.

 

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.