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The SCRD is undergoing a review and update of their Regional Water Development Cost Charges (DCCs) bylaws and is seeking public input.
What are DCCs? The Provincial DCC Best Practices Guide defines DCCs as:
“Development Cost Charges (DCCs) are monies that are collected from land developers by a municipality [Local Government], to offset some of the infrastructure expenditures incurred, to service the needs of new development. Imposed by bylaw pursuant to the Local Government Act, the charges are intended to facilitate development by providing a method to finance capital projects related to roads, drainage, sewers, water and parkland.”
This is the first review of the Regional Water DCC bylaws and rates since they were adopted in 1997. There are three existing DCC bylaws, broken into geographical regions. Bylaw No. 437 is for the Eastern Region, Bylaw 438 for the Western Region, and Bylaw 439 for the District of Sechelt.
The consulting firm of Opus Dayton-Knight carried out a detailed analysis and assessment of the DCC bylaws and prepared a background report with recommendations for new rates. The draft report was presented to the SCRD Board on July 3, 2014, and has been issued for public consultation. A link to the copy of the presentation can be found at http://www.scrd. ca/DCCs
Three open houses have been scheduled as follows: Monday, October 6: Seaside Centre, Sechelt. This will be the primary venue and will include a full presentation and facilitated dialogue session 6:30 – 9 pm
Tuesday, October 7: Egmont Community Hall. This venue will not include a presentation, but SCRD staff will be available to provide information and address questions 7 to 9 pm
Wednesday, October 8, Gibsons and Area Community Centre. This venue will not include a presentation, but SCRD staff will be available to provide information and address questions 4:30 to 8 pm.
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