Current Status of Education Development Charges
The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) currently has an Education Development Charges (EDC) by‑law in effect that expires on May 31, 2026.
Based on a comprehensive review of enrolment projections, available school capacity, and financial information, the WRDSB does not meet the eligibility requirements under Ontario Regulation 20/98 to pass a new EDC by‑law at this time.
As a result, effective June 1, 2026, the WRDSB will no longer be authorized to collect Education Development Charges on new residential or non‑residential development until it qualifies under provincial regulations in a future period.
By‑Law Information
Current Education Development Charges By‑law
The WRDSB’s current Education Development Charge by‑law is in effect until May 31, 2026.
In advance of the by‑law’s expiry, WRDSB staff undertook a detailed assessment of:
- Fifteen‑year enrolment projections
- Available pupil places using Ministry‑approved capacity assumptions
- Outstanding financial commitments and the EDC reserve fund balance
- Applicable Ministry of Education guidelines
This assessment confirmed that the WRDSB does not meet either of the two eligibility triggers required to pass a new EDC by‑law under Ontario Regulation 20/98 at the time of expiry.
What This Means for New Development
Until May 31, 2026, Education Development Charges continue to apply to eligible development in accordance with the existing by‑law.
Starting June 1, 2026:
- The WRDSB will not be collecting Education Development Charges
- No EDCs will be payable to the WRDSB on new residential or non‑residential development
- The WRDSB will not be able to fund growth‑related land acquisition through EDC revenues
This change is required under provincial legislation.
Why the WRDSB Is Not Passing a New EDC By‑law
Education Development Charges are governed by the Education Act and Ontario Regulation 20/98. To pass a new EDC by‑law when an existing by‑law expires, a school board must meet at least one of the following eligibility conditions:
- Capacity Trigger: Projected five‑year average enrolment exceeds available pupil places; or
- Financial Obligation Trigger: Outstanding growth‑related financial commitments exceed the balance of the EDC reserve fund.
Based on current data:
- Projected enrolment does not exceed available capacity under Ministry‑approved assumptions; and
- The WRDSB does not have outstanding financial obligations that exceed its EDC reserve fund.
As neither eligibility trigger is met, the WRDSB is not permitted to pass a new EDC by‑law at this time.
Next Steps
The need to plan for and respond to growth does not end when EDC eligibility lapses. The WRDSB will continue to:
- Monitor enrolment trends, development activity, and school capacity across the region
- Pursue site acquisition funding through other available mechanisms, such as the Ministry of Education’s Land Priorities process, subject to Ministry approval
- Report to Trustees should future enrolment growth exceed available capacity, and the WRDSB becomes eligible to pursue a new EDC by‑law
Eligibility for a future EDC by‑law can only occur if the WRDSB meets the capacity‑based eligibility trigger at a future date, as set out in provincial regulation.
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