Tuesday, September 29, 2026
The governments of Ontario and Canada announced that the City of Barrie is receiving up to $129 million through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP).
The funding will support the improvement of the City’s wastewater treatment facility infrastructure, including:
- constructing a new digester and integrating it into the existing solids treatment train
- converting the existing biological system to conventional fine-bubble diffused aeration and replacing the existing site electrical infrastructure
- constructing a new, advanced nutrient removal treatment train.
“This is a game changer for Barrie and will give more Barrie residents an opportunity to own a home,” said Alex Nuttall, Mayor of the City of Barrie. “By reducing the cost of building new homes, we are making housing more attainable while creating more opportunities for the skilled tradespeople and local businesses who build our community.”
The funding is in recognition of Barrie’s commitment to reduce development charges by 50 per cent for residential developments from March 30, 2026 to March 31, 2029.
“Across Ontario, there is a need for critical infrastructure and housing of all types to support our fast-growing communities,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “That is why our government continues to deliver programs like the Development Charge Reduction Program alongside our federal partners, which helps provide cities like Barrie with the funding they need to ensure their community remains a desirable place to live, work and raise a family.”
In March 2026, Ontario and the federal government agreed to a cost-matched structure to provide a combined $8.8 billion over 10 years for infrastructure investments in Ontario, with Canada’s share of the funding flowing through the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF).
“Through the Development Charge Reduction Program, we are working with Ontario and the City of Barrie to reduce the cost of new housing while supporting the infrastructure needed to build complete, thriving communities,” said Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and MP for Ajax.
Featured image: (Government of Ontario)
