As someone who tracks every angle of Calgary’s housing market—from new construction to investment properties—I’m always looking at what really drives affordability and supply. Recent analysis from our national housing agency highlights just how much development fees can impact the viability of new homes: reducing these fees could make about 14% more residential projects possible nationwide. The upside is especially pronounced for cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where eliminating charges could boost viable projects by around 10%. Notably, Toronto could potentially address half its stated housing supply need with such changes.
Here in Calgary, the numbers put things in perspective: development fees range from roughly $4,000 for a one-bedroom high-rise to about $9,000 for a detached home—well below Vancouver’s $20,000–$33,000 for similar units. Of course, these fees fund critical infrastructure—roads, sewers, administration—so the goal isn’t to drop them to zero, but to strike a balance that supports both community growth and attainable homeownership.
For families and buyers seeking larger, new homes, lower fees could help bring more options to the market, especially as the price gap between new builds and comparable resale homes continues to challenge many. I believe understanding these cost drivers is an essential step toward making smarter property decisions—whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or looking to move up. As always, I’m here to break down the numbers and help you see the bigger picture in Calgary’s evolving market.
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