The City of Courtenay is holding public information sessions today to share details on upcoming changes to its development cost charges (DCCs). These charges are one-time fees paid by developers to help pay for infrastructure like roads, water lines, sewer systems, and parks that are needed to support growth in the community.
Today’s sessions aim to help developers and residents understand the updated bylaw and what it could mean for future projects in Courtenay and the wider region. The last major update to this program happened in 2016, with a smaller revision made in 2022.
The updated bylaw includes new fee rates and estimated costs for key projects. These updates reflect the rising costs of building infrastructure and the need to keep pace with population growth and housing demands.
To ensure that everyone has a chance to learn about the changes, two sessions are being held at the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay.
The developer session runs from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and is being hosted in partnership with the Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland, and Comox Valley Regional District. Developers and contractors attending this session will get details on how the proposed rates could impact building plans in the near future.
Later in the day, a community open house will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., where the public can drop in, view the proposed changes, and ask questions. City staff and representatives will be on-site to guide residents through the information and answer any concerns.
All feedback collected during these sessions will be compiled and presented to Council when the updated bylaw is brought forward for discussion. Council members are expected to review the proposed bylaw near the end of August.
After Council’s review, the updated bylaw will be sent for a provincial review in the fall. If everything proceeds as planned, the final version of the bylaw will be adopted by December.
Development cost charges are a key part of how communities like Courtenay manage growth. These fees ensure that as more homes, businesses, and services are built, the city has the necessary roads, pipes, and public spaces to support them. Without DCCs, the costs of new infrastructure could fall more heavily on taxpayers.
The city is encouraging all residents, developers, and community members to take part in these sessions. The goal is to keep the process open and gather as much input as possible before making final decisions.
More information about the bylaw and the changes is available on the city’s official website, along with a copy of the proposed fee schedule and project list.
