The District of Squamish council adopted new Development Cost Charge (DCC) and Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) bylaws at the council meeting on Feb. 17. The bylaws will increase the fees developers pay on new construction, which the district says will help them keep pace with growth and rising infrastructure costs.
Mayor Armand Hurford said the updated bylaws are intended to balance development with livability.
“These new bylaws are an important step to ensure Squamish maintains quality public infrastructure and amenities for all residents as our community continues to experience growth,” Mayor Armand Hurford said in a press release. “By updating these bylaws, we are creating a future that supports both development and livability in our community.”
Development Cost Charges are one-time fees collected from developers to help cover the cost of growth-related infrastructure such as sewer, water, drainage, parks and roads. The fees are calculated based on projected population and employment growth over a set period and the estimated capital costs required to support that growth.
Under the new bylaw, residential DCC rates will range from $19,178 to $37,066 per dwelling unit, depending on housing type. Compared to the 2022 bylaw, increases range from 13 per cent for industrial development to 150 per cent for high-density residential units. For example, charges for apartments will rise from $7,677 per unit to $19,178, while single-family low-density lots will increase from $21,616 to $37,066.
Local governments in British Columbia must receive approval from the Province’s Inspector of Municipalities before adopting DCC bylaws to ensure rates align with provincial regulations.
The newly adopted ACC bylaw introduces a standardized charge for community amenities such as recreation facilities, libraries and public spaces. Residential ACCs will range from $10,190 per apartment unit to $18,828 per single-family low-density lot.
Unlike DCCs, ACCs do not require provincial approval. District staff calculated the proposed rates by comparing fees in other local governments as of January 2025.
With the introduction of ACCs, Squamish’s existing Community Amenity Contribution Bylaw for general amenities will be discontinued.
