Development Charges Forgivable Loan Program

Get Help Paying Development Charges

The Development Charges Forgivable Loan Program helps first-time homeowners pay development charges when buying or building a new home in Muskoka.

If you qualify, you could receive up to $15,000. You do not have to pay back the loan if you follow the program rules for three years.

On this page:

• Check if you qualify
• Download the application form
• Program Guidelines

Check if you qualify

You may qualify if:

• You are 18 years of age or older
• You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee claimant
• You are buying or building a new home in Muskoka
• You will live in the home full-time
• You do not currently own a home
• Your household income is $117,300 or less
• Your household assets (not including your new home) are:
  • $50,000 or less if applying alone
  • $75,000 or less if applying with a co-owner
• You qualify as a first-time homeowner, either because:
  • You have never owned a home, or
  • You are separated or divorced and have not owned a home since the relationship ended

Your home must:

• Be newly built and in Muskoka
• Have development charges paid when the building permit was issued
• Be freehold or condominium ownership
• Be used as your main home
• Cost $804,300 or less

How to apply

You must apply within six months of:

• Receiving your occupancy permit, or
• The transfer of the deed from the developer

Step 1 - Download the application

Download the Application Form

Step 2 – Gather your documents

See the Program Guidelines in the application for the full list of documents.

Step 3 – Submit your application

Email, mail, or drop-off your completed application and documents:

Email: 
affordablehousing@muskoka.on.ca

Mail or drop-off: 
Affordable Housing Department
The District Municipality of Muskoka
70 Pine Street
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. 
Funding is limited and depends on available funds.

If you have questions, contact the Affordable Housing Office at 705-645-2100 ext. 4410 or by email.

Program Guidelines

Loan details

The loan is interest-free It is a forgivable loan No payments are required if you meet the program rules for three years A security will be registered on the property title to secure the loan

Living in the home

You must live in the home as your main residence during the three-year period.

When repayment may be required

You may need to repay some or all of the loan, plus interest, if during the three years you: Sell the home Rent the home Stop living in the home as your main residence

Application deadline

Your application must be received within six months of: The transfer of the deed from the developer to the applicant, or Issue of occupancy permit

Program Documents

Download the Program Policy Download the Program Guidelines These documents are available in other formats upon request. Please submit your request using our online Alternate Format Request Form or by contacting the Clerk.

Development charges are fees collected by the District when a building permit is issued. These fees help pay for infrastructure needed for growth, such as roads, water services, sewer services and other essential services. Learn more about development charges.