Exciting times! The development cost charges (DCCs) collected by the District of Sicamous for municipal infrastructure are currently under review. 

What is a development cost charge?

DCCs are generally paid by applicants who obtain subdivision approval to create single-family development sites or a building permit that authorizes the construction of multi-family, institutional, industrial or commercial development. 

The collection of DCCs is an important tool that local governments have at their disposal to plan for the future and promote the stewardship of municipal assets. 

What do development cost charges pay for?

DCCs are used to pay for the costs of expanding and upgrading District infrastructure in relation to development and future growth, including:

• Transportation infrastructure (roads)
• Wastewater infrastructure
• Water infrastructure 
• Drainage infrastructure 
• Parks and park development

The current DCC bylaw was adopted in 2018. Please view Schedule A to review DCC rates. 

Why is council considering changes?

The last review of DCCs was completed in 2018. Since then, the following changes have taken place:

• Projects have been completed
• Changes to projects
• Updates to costs
• Changes in growth projections

The District is revising its DCC rates to reflect these changes and address projects identified in existing plans that have not been implemented.

What changes are being proposed?

The District is working with consulting firm Urban Systems to determine the rates of DCCs. Council is currently considering the collection of DCCs for carriage homes. A carriage home is a smaller, secondary house that can be used for guests or family, or as a long-term rental. 

Urban Systems shared presentations to council members at the October 11 and November 8 committee of the whole meetings. 

• Watch the October 11 discussion
• Watch the November 8 discussion

Is the District seeking input from the public?

On November 2, the District hosted an open house in council chambers inviting the public to learn more about the DCC review and provide their input on proposed changes.

If you were unable to attend the open house and would still like to provide input, please email corporate@sicamous.ca. Alternatively, you may hand deliver your written comments to the reception counter at Municipal Hall (446 Main Street). 

Comments made by the public will be submitted to council for further consideration.

What are the next steps?

Once the draft bylaw is prepared, it will be sent to the Province for draft approval before being brought forward to council for the first three readings of the bylaw. After the third reading, the bylaw is sent to the Inspector of Municipalities for final approval. Approval is required before council can adopt the bylaw and put the new DCC rates in force. 

Background Information:

• Eagle Valley News Article: Sicamous updating DCC bylaw with focus on carriage houses
• Development Cost Charges - Province of British Columbia