Overview
Metro Vancouver’s DCC Program Metro Vancouver collects development cost charges (DCCs) to recover the costs of regional growth-related infrastructure (water, wastewater, and regional park land acquisition) that is needed to support our growing population.
Funding water system expansion
Most local governments have DCCs for growth driven costs to expand local infrastructure (roads, drainage, water, sewer, parks). Without DCCs, larger water infrastructure, such as water treatment facilities, reservoirs, water mains and pump stations – would primarily be paid for through utility fees and property taxes. DCCs substantially pay for the cost of the infrastructure driven by growth needed to service our region.
Calculating the development cost charges
DCCs are calculated based on the type of development. The water DCC has only one fee structure for the one regional water system (while the liquid waste DCC has four different fee structures aligning with the four sewerage areas in the region).
DCCs are based on four separate land use categories: residential lot development unit (detached single-family, duplex and triplex), townhouse, apartment, and non-residential. Residential, townhouse, and apartment are charged per unit/dwelling, while non-residential developments are charged per square foot.
Collecting the DCC
Local municipalities are responsible for collecting the charge. This is usually done at the subdivision approval stage for single-family residential developments and the building permit stage for other types of development.
Water DCC rates by land use category (effective January 1, 2025).
Assist Factor
| Jan 1, 2025
45% | Jan 1, 2026
15% | Jan 1, 2027
1% |
|---|
| Residential Lot Development Unit | $10,952 | $16,926 | $19,714 |
| Townhouse Dwelling Unit | $9,839 | $15,206 | $17,710 |
| Apartment Dwelling Unit | $6,791 | $10,495 | $12,223 |
| Non-Residential (per square foot) | $5.30 | $8.19 | $9.54
|
A list of DCC water capital growth projects can be found in the DCC Capital Growth Program 2023 Budget. The DCC rates include interest costs to finance the infrastructure projects.