Background
What are Education Development Charges (EDCs)?
Education Development Charges (EDCs) are special fees collected by school boards in Ontario to help pay for new schools or expansions when student enrolment is growing. They are not regular taxes but are charged on new residential and non-residential developments, such as new houses, condos, or commercial buildings. The idea is that when new neighbourhoods are built, more families move in, which increases the number of students who need classroom space.
Since the cost of buying land for new schools is very high, EDCs help school boards secure funding specifically for purchasing sites where future schools will be built. It is important to note that EDCs can only be used to acquire land and cover related site preparation costs. They cannot be spent on construction, renovations, or classroom resources. Municipalities collect these charges on behalf of school boards when issuing building permits. This ensures that the financial responsibility of growth is shared by developers creating new communities, rather than falling entirely on existing taxpayers.
We are seeking input on the proposed Education Development Charges Background Study and Review of Education Development Charges Policies.
The education development charge background study required under Section 257.61 of the Act (including the proposed EDC by-law) and setting out the Board’s education development charge proposal will be available on October 24, 2025 under Document Library.
Key Dates & Meetings
Wednesday, November 05, 2025 6:00 pm
Meeting 1: Policy Review Public Meeting
Location: Toronto Catholic District School Board 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, ON
TAKE NOTICE that on November 5, 2025, the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) will hold a public meeting pursuant to Section
257.60 of the Education Act (“Act”). The purpose of the first meeting will be to review the current education development charge policies of the Board and to solicit public input.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 6:00 pm
Meeting 2: Successor By-Law Public Meeting & Policy Review Input
Location: Toronto Catholic District School Board 80 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, ON
Pursuant to Sections 257.60 and 257.63 of the Act, the Board will hold a second public meeting to consider any further input respecting the existing EDC policies of the Board, as well as the continued imposition of education development charges as set out in Section 257.63 of the Act, and to inform the public generally about the education development charge proposal.
Finally, it is anticipated that the TCDSB will consider adoption of an EDC by-law imposing increased education development charges in the City of Toronto on December 17, 2025.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Consideration of By-Law Adoption
The Ministry appointed Supervisor to the TCDSB will consider approval and adoption of the TCDSB EDC By-Law. This is not a public meeting; however consideration will be given to any and all written and verbal feedback received from the two public meetings. TCDSB would appreciate receiving written submissions at least one week prior to December 17, 2025.
