Development Cost Charges

Year
2007
Number
LR11
Sponsor(s)
Coquitlam

WHEREAS local government seeks to develop parkland as a result of growth in the most efficient and effective manner using Development Cost Charge funds; AND WHEREAS measures that add park capacity through more intensive use of playing fields and other park facilities have the potential of reducing overall parks acquisition and development costs; AND WHEREAS section 935.3b of the Local Government Act provides only for the capital costs of: ii Providing fencing, landscaping, drainage and irrigation, trails, restrooms, changing rooms and playground and playing field equipment on parkland: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to expand Section 935.3bii of the Local Government Act to include synthetic artificial turf and sports field lighting.

Provincial Response

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY SERVICES The suggestion that Development Cost Charges DCC be expanded to fund more services has been reviewed by the Development Finance Review Committee DFRC, which provides technical advice to the Ministry of Community Services Ministry. The DFRC is chaired by the Ministry and includes representatives from local government, the Province of British Columbia, the development community, building and real estate industries and the planning profession. There is a reasonable degree of consensus among the DFRC members that DCCs are appropriate where new development requires key infrastructure sewer, water, drainage, roads and parks for the development to proceed. Similarly, the park improvements to be partially paid for by DCCs are intended to be basic improvements to make parkland usable for both new development and existing residents. Legislative changes are not planned to expand the use of DCCs or the park improvement provisions.

Convention Decision
Referred to UBCM Executive
Executive Decision
Endorsed