Development Cost Charges Bylaw Update
The City of Campbell River is updating its Development Cost Charges Bylaw, and we are seeking your input!
Background
Development Cost Charges (DCCs) are one-time fees collected from developers to help communities recover the costs of off-site infrastructure required to support growth.
These charges are based on the principle of cost-sharing between existing taxpayers and new development, ensuring that growth pays for growth.
The Local Government Act sets out the guidelines under which local governments may administer DCC programs.
The funds collected are strictly designated for growth-related capital projects and cannot be used for operations, maintenance, or to address existing infrastructure deficiencies.
DCCs may be applied to the following categories:
- Transportation
- Water
- Drainage
- Sewer
- Parkland acquisition/improvements
- Fire protection facilities
- Police facilities
- Solid waste and recycling facilities
Eligible costs include planning, engineering, design, legal services, and studies directly related to these capital projects.
The City's Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. 3411 was last updated in 2010. Updating this bylaw will help ensure that new development contributes to the infrastructure it requires.
Feedback Opportunities
The City is seeking input from the development community and other interested parties on the proposed DCC Bylaw updates.
All feedback received by Friday, August 29, 2025, will be summarized in the DCC update report for consideration by City Council and the Provincial Ministry.
To get involved:
- Take the Survey
- Attend a virtual DCC information session from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. The session will explore program details, including timelines, and include an opportunity for questions and discussion.
- Share comments and/or questions directly on this page or via email to engineering@campbellriver.ca
Proposed DCC Rate and Program Updates
The City will maintain its existing city-wide and area-specific DCC programs.
DCCs are levied on a per lot or per dwelling unit basis for Low Density Residential and on a per unit basis for Medium Density Residential. High Density Residential uses will be levied per square metre of gross floor area, as will non-residential (Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional) uses.
The proposed DCC rates outlined below assume a 1% Municipal Assist Factor.
| Land Use | Unit | Proposed City-wide Rate (1% MAF) | Proposed Area-specific Rate (1% MAF) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Low Density Residential | per lot or dwelling unit | $24,096.61 | $4,235.02 | $28,331.63 |
Medium Density Residential | per dwelling unit | $13,913.14 | $1,798.97 | $15,712.11 |
High Density Residential | per m2 gross floor area | $116.84 | $21.51 | $138.35 |
Commercial | per m2 gross floor area | $106.01 | $9.93 | $115.94 |
Industrial | per m2 gross floor area | $39.58 | $7.13 | $46.71 |
Institutional | per m2 gross floor area | $128.38 | $9.93 | $138.31 |
Stormwater Drainage DCCs
Within the current program, a new drainage program has been introduced. It will exist alongside the area-specific DCC, which will continue to consist only of drainage projects within the Quinsam Heights neighbourhood. Parcels within the Quinsam Heights area (as defined in the area-specific Drainage DCC bylaw) will pay both the City-wide DCC AND the Quinsam Heights Drainage DCC.
Additional Information on DCCs
Payment of DCCs
DCCs are paid by applicants/developers at the time of:
- Subdivision, for approval to create new single-family lots (Low Density Residential); or,
- Building Permit, upon application to construct Medium or High Density Residential, Commercial, Industrial, or Institutional developments
In-Stream Applications
When a new DCC Bylaw is enacted, an existing development application submitted prior to the adoption of the new Bylaw is granted 12 month of in-stream protection.
In-stream protection will apply to both building permit and subdivision applications received prior to the adoption of any new DCC Bylaw. Protection is also extended to rezoning and development permit applications that were submitted prior to the adoption of any new DCC Bylaw and that will result in a building permit within 12 months of bylaw adoption. If an application meets the required criteria of being submitted prior to the adoption of the new DCC Bylaw, it is protected from rate increases.
Statutory Exemptions from DCCs
DCC Exemptions, instances when DCCs are not payable, include:
- Construction, alteration, or extension of a building which is solely for public worship and the land on which the building stands is exempt from taxation;
- Units with ≤ 29 m2 area;
- Units of ≤ $50K of building permit value;
- Where DCCs have been previously charged; and,
- In-stream applications (complete).
Waivers and Reductions
Under the Local Government Act, a local government may opt to impose a Bylaw through which DCCs may be waived or reduced. DCC waivers or reductions can be provided in support of affordable rental housing and low-impact development.
The City currently has Development Cost Charges Reduction Bylaw No. 3973, 2024, which enables waivers and/or reductions for eligible developments, which include:
- Not-for-profit rental housing, including assisted living developments owned by a public authority or a not-for-profit society; and,
- For-profit affordable rental housing.
In the case of any waivers or reductions provided, the amount waived or reduced is to be entirely supported by the existing taxpayer.
Thank you for your contribution!
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