LaSalle Receives Development Charge Reduction Program Grant

By Town of LaSalle - Oct 23, 2026

cheque presentation

The Town of LaSalle will receive up to $25.4 million to eliminate development charges for all housing types from March 30, 2026 to March 31, 2029. Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure; Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex; and Hilda MacDonald, Warden of the County of Essex made the joint announcement this afternoon in LaSalle.

The governments of Ontario and Canada announced that regional and local municipalities in the County of Essex will receive up to $105.8 million through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP) in recognition of their commitment to reduce or eliminate development charges for all housing types from March 30, 2026, to December 31, 2030, depending on the municipality. The funding will help build more homes and community infrastructure while advancing the province’s plan to protect Ontario by investing in projects that support economic growth and keep workers on the job.

The Build Communities Strong Fund was launched by the federal government earlier this year to accelerate infrastructure projects across the country to reduce costs. The Town's project is centered on key growth-related infrastructure that includes the Reaume Road/Sandwich West Parkway Expansion and the Ellis Street/Diotte Drive Expansion. These strategic investments will provide critical road, stormwater, and wastewater infrastructure needed to support future residential development and unlock new housing opportunities across the community.

“Responsible growth means making sure the infrastructure is in place to support the homes and families coming to our community. This investment will help LaSalle move important infrastructure forward while reducing barriers to new housing and protecting the long-term interests of our residents. We appreciate the partnership of the provincial and federal governments and their recognition that municipalities need meaningful infrastructure investment to build complete, sustainable communities," said Mayor Crystal Meloche.

The Reaume Road/Sandwich West Parkway and Ellis Street/Diotte Drive Expansion will enhance transportation connectivity and provide the municipal services necessary to support development in one of LaSalle's key growth areas, helping to bring new housing opportunities to market sooner.

Together, these projects will:

Support the construction of up to 5,000 future housing units in designated growth areas;

Expand municipal road, stormwater, and wastewater infrastructure capacity;

Reduce development costs through development charge reduction;

Help accelerate the timing of new residential construction; and

Ensure infrastructure is available when and where growth occurs.

Development charges are fees collected by municipalities from new development to help fund the growth-related infrastructure needed to service expanding communities. Through the DCRP, the Province is providing funding to municipalities that commit to reducing development charges in support of housing supply and affordability objectives.