As someone who’s been closely involved in both real estate and home inspection, I see firsthand how development fees impact the true cost of new homes across Canada. A recent study by a national housing agency highlights that reducing these fees could make about 14% more residential projects viable, which is a significant opportunity for future homeowners. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver stand out—eliminating these charges could result in a 10% increase in viable projects, with Toronto alone potentially meeting half of its stated housing supply targets. It’s eye-opening to compare Calgary’s development fees (ranging from around $4,000 for a one-bedroom high-rise to about $9,000 for a detached home) to Vancouver’s much higher $20,000–$33,000 range for similar properties. Of course, these fees fund essential infrastructure—roads, sewers, and more—so it’s not as simple as removing them entirely. But there’s real potential in lowering fees on family-sized homes to help new projects compete, especially in markets where larger new units are priced above comparable resale options. For families and investors navigating these choices, understanding the role of development fees is crucial—it’s a key factor in both affordability and supply.