At the Finance Committee Meeting on January 16th, the Committee endorsed the scope of work as presented in the report titled “Development Cost Charge Program – Proposed Scope of Work for 2025-2027.” In response to Board direction, engagement with developers, and the evolving context of provincial and federal initiatives, Metro Vancouver staff have proposed a scope of work to review and update the Metro Vancouver Development Cost Charge program. This report outlines the proposed scope of work for Committee and Board review and feedback. The proposed work program will include significant engagement with the Metro Vancouver Boards, Standing Committees, and Advisory Committees as well as member jurisdictions, the Province, and various industry sectors and stakeholders, with policy options brought forward for further Committee and Board discussion and consideration. 

The proposed scope of work includes the following five projects:  

1. Consider expanding Metro Vancouver’s affordable housing DCC waiver program to include below market units developed by the private sector where there is a binding commitment to transfer those units to non-profits to operate;  

2. Update residential and non-residential definitions in Metro Vancouver’s DCC bylaws to ensure that Metro Vancouver’s DCC program accounts for new provincial housing legislation and reflects Metro 2050 objectives;  

3. Update Metro Vancouver’s DCC rate calculations to reflect new population and dwelling projections and updated capital costs of Metro Vancouver infrastructure;  

4. Explore coordinated regional economic analysis to assess the impacts of regional and local development fees; and  

5. Work with developers, member jurisdictions and the provincial government to explore ways to mitigate the impact of DCCs on residential development, such as extended in-stream protection and the timing of DCC collection. 

Additional information can be found in the full report by Metro Vancouver staff.