Regional Parkland Acquisition Development Cost Charge

Overview

Metro Vancouver’ collects development cost charges (DCCs) to recover the costs of regional growth-related infrastructure (water, wastewater, and regional parkland acquisition) that is needed to support our growing population.

The parkland acquisition DCC was established in 2024 and ensures regional ecosystems remain protected, healthy, and resilient over the long-term. This is critical to the Metro Vancouver region retaining its unique sense of place and remaining an attractive destination and livable region. The importance of protecting regional parks and connecting people to nature only increases as the region grows. Natural areas also provide wide-ranging health benefits, including improved mental health, physical health, and social cohesion, as well as reduced mortality risks and medical costs.​

​​​​​Funding parkland acquisitions

Most local governments have DCCs for growth driven costs to expand local infrastructure (roads, drainage, water, sewer, parks). Without DCCs, parkland acquisitions would primarily be paid for through property taxes. As the region continues to grow, a Park DCC will help protect remaining natural areas that may otherwise be impacted by development. Mapping of remaining sensitive ecosystems informs the planning of new and expanded parks. By expanding the regional parks system, there will be space for new residents to connect with the unique landscape of the Metro Vancouver.​

Metro Vancouver established a new regional parkland acquisition development cost charge with an effective date of January 1, 2025. Until now the larger regional parkland acquisitions have primarily been paid for through property taxes. The DCC fees are defined in the Development Cost Charge Bylaw below.

​Calculating the develop​ment cost charges

DCCs are calculated based on the type of development.

Similar to the sewer and water bylaws, 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. The rates are phased in over a three-year period.

Parkland acquisition DCC rates by land use category (effective January 1, 2025):​​​​

Parkland Acquisition DCC​

The DCC will fund parkland acquisitions over a 30-year period from 2023 to 2052.​