Development Cost Charges (DCCs) Update for Parks
Consultation has concluded
Update - June 15
On June 15th, Council adopted the bylaw to amend development cost charges for parks, the following are some key points on the changes:
- The Parks DCC rates have increased. The higher charges are important to ensure a reliable and sustainable funding source for park acquisition and development needs as our community continues to grow. See Schedule A of the attached bylaw for new rates.
- The bylaw is applicable to any new applications.
- Applications in-stream will be provided protection from rate increases for a period of twelve months after the adoption date of June 15th.
- With the addition of neighbourhood parkland acquisition to the Parks DCC program and the continued use of the 5% dedication/cash-in-lieu provisions of the Local Government Act for the purpose of neighbourhood parkland acquisition, the following approach will ensure that the District avoids charging developers and owners twice for the same acquisitions.
- If development involves subdivision and 3 or more new lots are created:
- 5% dedication/cash-in-lieu applies for the provision of parkland for Neighbourhood Park purposes
- The developer receives a credit for the entire Neighbourhood Park component of the Parks DCC
- If development does NOT involve subdivision or the subdivision is creating LESS THAN 3 new lots:
- 5% dedication/cash-in-lieu does NOT apply for the provision of parkland for Neighbourhood Park purposes
- The developer is to be charged the entire Neighbourhood Park component of the Parks DCC
- If development involves subdivision and 3 or more new lots are created:
Update - March 10
Thank you for the many comments and questions submitted since January 12th. Council will receive the public engagement report on March 10th that summarizes comments left on this page. Council will also consider giving the revised bylaw three readings on March 16th.
Council wants your input on amendments to Park Development Cost Charges (DCCs)
Parks, greenspace and open areas are something residents both young and old value in the community we live in. As Lake Country population grows and multi-family housing becomes more popular, the need for more places to go to enjoy the outdoors also increases.
By definition, Development Cost Charges (DCCs) are fees collected from developers by the municipality to help fund the growth-related infrastructure and parks. It is important that the costs associated with development do not create a burden on existing taxpayers.
The purpose of Parks DCCs is to assist the District of Lake Country to accommodate development by providing a dedicated source of funding for capital costs associated with providing and improving parks and greenspace throughout the community. Increasing Parks DCCs is necessary due to population growth and expanded community needs.
In 2020 Council endorsed the Parks and Recreation Master plan which provides direction for the future of Lake Country’s parks and greenspace. Due to population growth and expanded community needs, which are outlined in the master plan, the requirement to increase park DCCs is necessary to sustain growth.
DCCs are charged when developers build residential, commercial or industrial developments; and when property owners subdivide their lots.