Note: This is a summary of our larger, 78 page document of the same title. The larger report may be viewed by clicking here.
Local governments in BC use Development Cost Charges (DCCs) levied on new projects to help fund the cost of sewer, water, storm drainage, road and parkland needed to accommodate growth. DCCs are intended to reflect the capital costs that are imposed by new development. This capital burden can vary widely within a community based on factors such as the condition and capacity of existing infrastructure, the location of new development, the type of land use, and the characteristics of development projects. The objective of this report is to determine whether DCC rates favour particular growth patterns and, if so, to suggest practical ways for municipalities to modify their systems to encourage smart growth and encourage high performance (''green'') building design.