Ontario's Development Charges Act is provincial legislation governing how municipalities can impose charges on new development to fund growth-related infrastructure. The Act specifies which services can be funded through development charges, calculation methodologies, exemptions, and appeal processes. Development charges help ensure growth pays for growth rather than existing taxpayers subsidizing new development. However, the Act also limits municipal discretion, and charges have been controversial as housing costs increase. Recent amendments have modified rules around development charge deferrals and exemptions for certain housing types. The Act significantly shapes municipal infrastructure financing and housing economics in Ontario.