The Village of Cumberland (Village) is in the process of introducing an Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) Bylaw. The Village does not currently have an ACC program in place. An ACC program would exist alongside the Village’s existing Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw, which was last updated in 2022. To date, the Village has prepared materials for the new ACC program that includes the proposed projects, costs, and rates.

ACCs are one-time fees collected by local governments to help recover the capital costs of growth-driven amenities that provide social, cultural, heritage, recreational, or environmental benefits to a community. Much like Development Cost Charges (DCCs), they are a provincially-regulated development finance tool in the Local Government Act. Funds cannot be used for operations and maintenance costs, or projects addressing existing deficiencies.

ACCs can pay for the following amenities, among others:

• Recreation or athletic facility

• Community, youth, or seniors’ centre

• Daycare facility

• Library

• Public square

*Note: ACCs cannot be used for projects otherwise eligible for DCCs.

The Village’s proposed ACC program includes two projects:

1. Recreation Centre Expansion

1. Daycare Facility

ACCs are levied on a per lot or per dwelling unit basis for Low Density Residential and on a per unit basis for Medium Density Residential and High Density Residential. ACCs will not be levied on non-residential (Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional) uses in the Village.

The proposed ACC rates outlined below assume a 1% Municipal Assist Factor (MAF).

ACCs are paid by applicants/developers at the time of:

• Subdivision, for approval to create new single-family lots (Low Density Residential); or,

• Building Permit, upon application to construct Medium or High Density Residential developments.

When a new ACC Bylaw is enacted, an existing development application submitted prior to the adoption of the new Bylaw is granted 12-month in-stream protection.

In-stream protection will apply to both building permit and subdivision applications received prior to the adoption of any new ACC Bylaw. Protection is also extended to rezoning and development permit applications that were submitted prior to the adoption of any new ACC Bylaw and that will result in a building permit within 12 months of bylaw adoption. If an application meets the required criteria of being submitted prior to the adoption of the new ACC Bylaw, it is provided protection from rate increases.

July 21, 2025 - A Joint DCC and ACC Information Session for the development community was held at the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay. Feedback received during the Information Session will be included when presenting the ACC Bylaw to Council for further consideration.

May 26, 2025 – The draft ACC rates were presented to Council at the May 26, 2025, Committee of the Whole.

Committee of the Whole Report & Presentation