New Funding for Affordable Housing in St. Thomas

The city will get up to $19.6 million for infrastructure while cutting development charges for three years.

ST. THOMAS, ON, Oct. 15, 2026 /CNW/ — Today, the Governments of Canada and Ontario announced that St. Thomas is set to receive up to $19.6 million through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP). This funding acknowledges the city’s commitment to lowering development charges by 30 percent for single-detached homes and multi-unit housing, and by 50 percent for other types from March 30, 2026, to March 31, 2029.

This funding aims to help create more homes and community infrastructure in St. Thomas while supporting the province’s plan to protect Ontario by investing in projects that boost economic growth and keep people employed.

The decrease in development charges over this three-year period is expected to lower the cost of building new homes in St. Thomas by as much as $5,961 per home. When combined with savings from expanded HST relief on eligible new homes, these efforts could save families in St. Thomas up to $135,961.

In March 2026, Canada and Ontario agreed on a cost-matched framework that will provide a total of $8.8 billion over ten years for infrastructure investments in Ontario, with Canada’s portion coming through the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF).

The two governments also decided to eliminate the full HST on eligible new homes from April 1, 2026, until March 31, 2027, saving homebuyers as much as $130,000 off a new home’s price tag-this adds on top of cost cuts available for builders via the DCRP.

Pending a signed agreement between Canada and Ontario regarding BCSF and further checks by both governments along with an Ontario-municipal Transfer Payment Agreement being signed; Canada and Ontario will offer up to $19.6 million to aid in designing and constructing a new wastewater treatment facility in St. Thomas.

The City of St. Thomas estimates that savings from reduced development charges during this period along with investment into housing-related infrastructure would lead to unlocking about 6,196 new homes-resulting in a more diverse and affordable housing market for buyers and renters alike.

The BCSF and DCRP are part of fulfilling the Canada-Ontario Partnership goal by providing funding over ten years specifically aimed at housing-enabling infrastructure projects-priority is given to municipalities reducing development charges across all residential types by at least 30-50 percent while maintaining those reductions for at least three years.

Quotes

“Together with our federal and municipal partners we’re setting up conditions so communities like St. Thomas can keep growing strong.” said MPP Rob Flack “I’m proud of what this area has done so far! Investments like these will help ensure St. Thomas remains vibrant where families can settle down.”

The Honourable Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

“Creating more homes relies heavily on solid partnerships plus smart investments making it easier & cheaper overall.” said MP Arielle Kayabaga “Through our Development Charge Reduction Program we’re teaming up with both provincial leaders & City officials aiming towards making homebuilding affordable again which supports thriving communities.” p>
The Honourable Arielle Kayabaga , Member Parliament London West p>
“This news is fantastic! It’s another big step forward as our city keeps expanding!” stated Joe Preston Mayor City Toronto” We want everyone here finding their dream place calling it their own without worrying too much about costs! Lessening DCs allows construction work starting quicker thus offering more choices while uplifting local businesses contributing back into town life.”
Joe Preston Mayor City Toronto p>
“This support means everything!” expressed Scott Anderson CEO OHBA “Lowering those fees helps build affordable options available getting houses ready meeting real demands out there – DCRP program continues delivering just what’s needed!”
Scott Andison CEO OHBA p>
“We applaud Minister Rob Flack taking charge reducing municipal issues creating affordable living spaces,” noted Richard Lyall President RESCON adding “It’s essential leading way tackling regulatory reform sales tax relief going hand-in-hand.”
Richard Lyall President RESCON
“When we cut down these fees it opens doors wide enhancing chances bringing fresh developments often including rental buildings improving life standards throughout communities around us,” Tony Irwin remarked expressing pride Federation Rental-housing Providers commenting collaboration vital necessary though pressure exists locally still.
Tony Irwin President & CEO Federation Rental-housing Providers Ontari o
“From metropolitan centers rural towns we need proactive leadership paving paths towards increasing supply overall; announcements show commitment encouraging positive change,” asserted Kim Fairley OREA President believing ongoing projects bring affordability closer everyday reality thanks everyone involved working hard together.
Kim Fairley OREA President
“Every dollar saved makes huge difference when putting roofs overhead,” Angela De Vries pointed out emphasizing association backing crucial steps taken advocating addressing genuine barriers hindering progress observed closely within industry markets’ current climate continuing initiatives jointly undertaken affirm success follows cooperation between officials themselves alongside developers willing push forward meaningful solutions.
Angela De Vries CEO Elgin Home Builders’ Association

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Quick Facts p ><

Funding via BCSF DCRP intended assist developing critical utility improvements roads bridges fire police facilities establishing enhancing public amenities libraries recreational centers among others required build healthy neighborhoods growing flourishing societies found everywhere today ! b > b > b >

Federal assistance contingent signing formal bilateral agreements completion project reviews approvals finalized prior release funds received municipal compliance transfer payment contracts adhered strictly following guidelines laid therein overall timelines specified absolutely met accordingly ensuring transparency efficiency cultivated effectively during execution phases followed thereafter !

Municipalities required contribute minimum ten percent share throughout respective cost allocations initiated under programs governing policies regulated properly according stipulations established initially respecting timeframes designated explicitly outlined therein consistently observed aligned achieved targets established beforehand through various feedback mechanisms employed routinely sought after assessing impacts accurately reflected delivered goals set forth initially established trajectories built around specific milestones defined collectively earlier communicated openly among involved parties engaged constructively aimed toward realizing ambitious vision laid previously. $444 ) municipalities currently active participating levying substantial amounts collected generated sources significant revenues continue boosting economies sustaining livelihoods cherished dearly residents spread across regions impacted positively each day daily basis thanks efforts made continually invested wisely nurturing stronger ties forging bonds good standing relationships fostered amongst individuals groups organizations alike driven ambitions unified intent pursuing shared objectives focused strengthening communal capacities foundations optimizing performance capabilities maximizing outcomes realized transformed lives greatly improved forever resulting endeavors. Follow us X Facebook Instagram Linked In Web Housing Infrastructure Communities Canada Cision

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