July 27th, 2026

On July 21, Council approved various amendments in principle relating to the City’s new Financing Growth Program. The report proposes a city-wide Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) as the primary tool for funding growth-related amenities, while reducing reliance on negotiated Community Amenity Contributions (CACs), density bonusing, and public art levies.  

ACC and DCL Rates 

The proposed ACC rates are:

The Residential >1.5 FSR: ACC rate is proposed to be phased in over two years, with a 50% rate until September 30, 2027. Staff also recommend maintaining the 20% DCL reduction adopted in 2025, arguing that there is limited room to increase DCLs while introducing ACCs and maintaining project viability. 

The report further proposes 3% annual inflationary increases to ACC and DCL rates from 2027 to 2029 to provide predictability and preserve rate protection for projects already in the development pipeline. 

Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) 

Staff recommend exempting several project types from CAC negotiations, including certain rental, commercial, institutional, and lower-density strata developments. CACs would primarily be retained for larger and more complex rezonings where site-specific amenities remain appropriate. 

Public Art 

The report recommends discontinuing the Public Art Policy for Rezoned Developments for new rezoning applications submitted after September 30, 2026. Instead, public art would be funded through the ACC program. Developers could still voluntarily provide on-site public art, but it would no longer be a standard rezoning requirement.  

Rental Waivers and Development Viability 

The report extends existing rental housing incentives to the new ACC framework. Secured rental projects that qualify for a DCL waiver would also receive a full or partial ACC waiver. Staff state that this is intended to support rental housing delivery and respond to industry concerns about project viability in current market conditions. 

Other Policy Changes 

Staff also propose: 

• Reviewing the Sustainable Large Developments Policy and reporting back in 2027; 
• Monitoring the new federal-provincial Build Communities Strong Fund, which may provide infrastructure funding tied to development charge reductions; and 
• Introducing ACC payment deferrals similar to existing DCL deferral programs. 

More information can be found in the submitted correspondence by UDI and the full report by City staff.