Development Application Approvals Process (DAAP) Fee Review

The City of Pickering is undertaking a review of its Development Application Fees (“DAAP”), which include planning application fees, building permit fees, and engineering fees.

This review supports the City’s commitment to modernizing and streamlining the development review process while navigating legislative changes and evolving market conditions. The objective is to ensure that development application fees:

• Reflect the full cost of services provided;
• Align with applicable legislation and industry best practices;
• Balance stakeholder interests; and
• Promote long-term financial sustainability while reducing reliance on the municipal tax base.

On February 24, 2025, Council endorsed an Implementation Work Plan to streamline the Development Application Review Process (“DARP”), which included completing a comprehensive review of development application fees. To support this initiative, the City retained Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. (“Watson”) to undertake the review and provide recommendations on fee structure improvements.

Watson has now completed its review and proposed updated fees for Building, Planning, and Engineering Services. The Draft Report and Draft Fees are available below. The proposed fees are subject to Council consideration and public consultation. Please share any feedback or comments by April 3, 2026 to Amanda Dunn on the Draft Report and Fees outlined below.

The City will host a virtual stakeholder meeting on March 23, 2026. If you are interested in attending, please email Amanda Dunn.

The City will bring a recommendation report to a future Executive meeting in late spring 2026. Details on Executive Meeting will be posted on this webpage once information is made available.

View the Draft Report: Development Application Fee Review