District of Squamish updates development and amenity charges to seek greater contributions as community works to manage growth-related infrastructure costs
Squamish, BC – Council has adopted a new Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw and an Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) Bylaw. The new rates in the updated Development Cost Charges Bylaw will ensure the cost of infrastructure projects required to support growth in the community is keeping up with recent cost increases of major infrastructure projects. The new ACC Bylaw will allow the District to collect funds for community amenities in a standardized way.
"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," says District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford. "By updating these bylaws, we are creating a future that supports both development and livability in our community."
Development Cost Charges are calculated based on anticipated population and employment growth over a specified period against the estimated infrastructure costs required to accommodate that growth. As the District’s population continues to grow and construction costs change, the new DCC Bylaw will include new rates ranging from $19,178 to $37,066 per dwelling unit, to help fund critical infrastructure projects required by this growth in the future.
Under the new ACC bylaw, the District will be able to collect between $10,190 and $18,828 for every new residential unit, where an additional dwelling is added. These funds will support the creation and improvement of community amenities such as recreation facilities, libraries, and public spaces. With the proposed introduction of ACCs, the District’s Community Amenity Contribution Bylaw will no longer be in place for general amenities.
DCCs and ACCs by the numbers
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New DCC Bylaw charges compared with current 2022 DCC Bylaw
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Land Use |
Unit |
2022 DCC |
2025 DCC |
Percent (%) |
|
Residential Single Family Low Density |
per lot |
$21,616 |
$37,066 |
71% |
|
Residential Single Family Small Lot |
per lot |
$16,603 |
$28,152 |
70% |
|
Residential Medium Density (Townhouse) |
per unit |
$10,747 |
$23,377 |
118% |
|
Residential High Density (Apartment) |
per unit |
$7,677 |
$19,178 |
150% |
|
Commercial |
per m2 of GFA |
$117.64 |
$214.34 |
82% |
|
Institutional |
per m2 of GFA |
$99.89 |
$122.46 |
23% |
|
Industrial |
per m2 of GFA |
$78.88 |
$88.75 |
13% |
|
New ACC Bylaw charges |
||
|
Land Use |
Unit |
Proposed ACCs |
|
Residential Single Family Low Density |
per lot |
$18,828 |
|
Residential Single Family Small Lot |
per lot |
$14,710 |
|
Residential Medium Density (Townhouse) |
per unit |
$12,170 |
|
Residential High Density (Apartment) |
per unit |
$10,190 |
What are DCCs?
Development Cost Charges are a revenue tool that local governments in British Columbia can utilize to recover costs for growth-related capital expenditures arising from new development or for developments where the number of units on a property is being increased. which includes sewer, water, drainage, parks and roads. DCCs are one-time fees paid by developers or residents to municipalities from new developments either at the subdivision stage or building permit stage.
Local municipalities are required to have their draft DCC bylaws approved by the BC Government’s Inspector of Municipalities to ensure that the rates align with the Province’s guidelines and regulations.
What are ACCs?
Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) are a new tool that allows local governments to collect fees for amenities that support livable and complete communities in areas of growth such as community centres, recreation facilities, libraries, daycares, and public spaces. These charges ensure that as Squamish grows, new developments contribute to the amenities residents rely on. Like DCCs, ACCs are a one-time charge on new developments and are paid at either the subdivision stage or building permit stage. However, unlike DCCs, ACCs are not required to have Provincial approval. The draft ACC Bylaw rates were calculated and drafted by staff by comparing amounts to other local governments as of January 2025.
To learn more, visit squamish.ca/dcc-acc-2025
February 18, 2026