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The federal housing minister will not deliver on the Liberal campaign promise today to push cities to cut the amount they spend funding local infrastructure.
Housing Minister Gregor Robertson did not give a direct answer when asked during the announcement in Toronto today whether the Liberals remained committed to their pledge to cut municipal development fees in half to lower the cost of home construction.
Robertson told reporters that Ottawa was “initially” considering cutting development fees by 50 per cent, but it was unclear whether the government would meet that mark, adding that more details would be released before the Nov. 4 budget.
Robertson said infrastructure makes up a large portion of the cost of building new homes, and development fees are key to covering housing costs in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
The minister was in Toronto to announce federal funding for the city’s sewer infrastructure and the advancement of the first housing project through Build Canada Homes, the federal government’s new affordable housing agency.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said financing is a major obstacle that prevents many builders from breaking ground on new homes, which is why the city is in discussions with Ottawa about adjusting development fees.
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Craig Lord Development Fees Government of Canada Gregor Robertson Minister of Housing and Cities The Canadian Press
Last modified: October 14, 2025
