As noted in previous newsletters, UDI and its members have raised concerns about the negative impact of Metro Vancouver's DCC increases on the ability of the building sector and municipalities to deliver housing in the Region. UDI has been working with senior governments and Metro Vancouver to find ways to mitigate the substantial increases. 

We welcomed the federal government's $250 million funding announcement in the Fall Economic Statement for the Iona Wastewater Treatment Plant. As Metro Vancouver noted in a 2022 Report, “If in-stream protection were to be extended by an additional 12 months, the estimated foregone DCC revenue for Metro Vancouver is estimated to be $220 million, which would be roughly offset by the $250 million grant for the Iona projects.”

On February 28th, UDI submitted correspondence to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, the Honourable Ravi Khalon, regarding Metro Vancouver’s DCCs and the need for changes to the instream protections in the Local Government Act and any other supporting legislation. UDI requested that the Province make legislative amendments as soon as possible, so the extended timeframes are in place before the current in-stream protection ends March 21st. 

Additionally, UDI encouraged policymakers to provide flexibility on the timing of DCC payments, allowing them to be collected at the end of a project rather than upfront to ease the financial constraints on housing projects.