Development Charge Background Study
The Township of Russell is currently reviewing its Development Charges (DC) through a comprehensive background study. Development Charges are fees collected from developers to help pay for the new infrastructure and municipal services required to support growth — such as roads, parks, water and wastewater systems, fire services, and recreation facilities. This ensures that the cost of growth is fairly shared and does not fall entirely on existing taxpayers.
This study will help the Township plan responsibly for the next decade, aligning growth-related investments with projected needs. It will also determine the new DC rates that apply to future developments starting in 2026.
Virtual Developer Consultation Meeting
You are invited to attend a virtual consultation meeting on the Township’s Development Charges (DC) Background Study, scheduled for Friday, October 17th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The DC Background Study will be available for review on the Township’s website by October 9, 2025. During the session, Hemson Consulting Ltd., our consultant in charge of preparing the DC study, will provide a short presentation on the DC study process and rate calculations, followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion.
To help us plan accordingly, please confirm your attendance by replying to this email no later than Friday October 3, 2025. Written comments or questions may also be submitted in advance to finances@russell.ca . A link to join the virtual session will be shared with all confirmed participants closer to the meeting date.
Updated Dates for Public Participation: Please note: the Council Information Session and Virtual Developer Consultation Meeting have been rescheduled from previously announced dates.
- September 22, 2025 – Council Information Session
- October 17, 2025 – Virtual Developer Consultation Meeting
- October 7 – Release of DC Study and Draft Bylaw (min. 60 days before bylaw adoption)
- November 10 – Statutory Public Meeting during the Council meeting
- December 8 – Proposed Bylaw adoption by Council
We encourage residents, developers, and stakeholders to follow the process and provide feedback. Together, we can ensure that our Township continues to grow in a way that is sustainable, well planned, and financially responsible.
What are Development Charges?
The Township of Russell collects a development charge on new and redeveloped property. This money helps pay for the expansion and growth of Township infrastructure, services, and projects including roads, water and wastewater, parks, community centers, and recreation programs.
The annual budget process determines what capital projects receive money collected from the development charges. The various rates are authorized and governed by the Development Charges Act, 1997. Read the provincial law on Development Charges.
For more information, see the Development Charges Pamphlet.
Development Charge By-Law
Read the full Development Charges By-Law.
Development Charge Rates
For current rates, please see Schedule "B" and "C" at the bottom of the Development Charges By-Law page.
Charges are indexed bi-annually on January 1 and July 1 according to the Statistics Canada Construction Price Statistics. The posted rates are provided as reference only. The Township of Russell will apply Development Charges according to the definitions and policies contained in the By-law, as amended. Fees are paid by property owners which are seeking a building permit to develop their properties.
2021 Development Charge Background Study
The Development Charges Act requires that a background study be prepared to determine fees based on current service levels and the forecasted amount, type and location of future development within the municipality. Contact our Finance Department for details on how we set our fees or if you have questions about the background study.
The Township of Russell is working towards making this document into an accessible format. If you require communicative support for this document, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator.
Development Charge Background Study 2021
Education Development Charges
The Township also collects Education Development Charges (EDC) on behalf of Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario, as of July 1, 2024.
- Calculated EDC rate: $898
- Approved Year 2 Rate from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026: $898.
- Approved Years 3 to 5 from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029: $898.