Background

The City of Courtenay is developing an Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) Bylaw, a new tool that will help fund community amenities needed to support Courtenay’s continued growth.

ACCs were introduced through Bill 46 (2023) as part of the Province’s changes to the Local Government Act. They allow municipalities to collect funds from new development for amenities that serve the broader community.

While Development Cost Charges (DCCs) fund essential infrastructure such as water, sewer, drainage, roads, and parks, ACCs focus on community amenities that improve livability and social well-being, including:

  • Recreation and cultural facilities
  • Parks, trails, and open spaces
  • Sportsfields and playgrounds
  • Dog parks and spray parks
  • Cultural and community centres

Together, DCCs and ACCs ensure that growth pays for growth; balancing the costs of new infrastructure between the development community and existing taxpayers.

Where we are now

Draft Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) Program and Rates presented to Council – October 15, 2025

The proposed ACC program was developed with support from Urban Systems Ltd. and includes a 20-year plan to fund growth-related amenities. Key objectives are to:

  • Support community growth through investment in recreation and culture;
  • Ensure transparency and predictability for developers; and
  • Reduce financial pressure on existing taxpayers.

Proposed ACC rates

Land Use Unit Proposed Rate (2025)
Low Density Residential per lot or dwelling unit $ 6,643
Medium Density Residential per unit $ 3,618
High Density Residential per m² GFA $ 42.56
Commercial per m² GFA $ 13.84
Industrial / Institutional — Exempt


Rates include a 1 % Municipal Assist Factor (MAF) and are based on Courtenay’s 20-year growth projections.
Over this period, the program could collect up to $26 million of the estimated $73 million in growth-related amenity costs.

Proposed projects

The draft ACC program funds the following amenities to support growth over the next 20 years:

  • Community Centre Expansion
  • Florence Filberg Centre Expansion
  • Outdoor Pool Expansion
  • Sportsfield Improvements
  • Pickleball Court Construction and Improvements
  • Dog Park Construction and Improvements
  • Cultural Facility Expansion
  • LINC Youth Centre and Skateboard Park Improvements
  • Spray Park Construction
  • Park Amenity Program

All projects were reviewed for eligibility under the Local Government Act and the ACC Best Practices Guide, ensuring they directly serve the needs of Courtenay’s growing population.

Economic analysis

To evaluate how ACCs may impact development, the City retained City Squared Consulting to conduct a financial feasibility study.
The analysis confirmed that:

  • The proposed rates are modest and viable under current economic conditions.
  • Phasing in rates is not required.
  • Increased density anticipated through the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw updates will help offset development costs.

Public engagement

As required under the Local Government Act, the City will engage the public, the development community, and other affected stakeholders before finalizing the bylaw.

Upcoming Event:

  • Developer Roundtable – October 21, 2025
    • This session will introduce the proposed ACC framework and gather feedback from local builders, consultants, and developers.

Can't attend but want to share your input?

Email planning@courtenay.ca with “ACC feedback” in the subject line. Feedback will be included in the Council report before bylaw readings.

Learn more:

Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) are one-time fees collected from new development to help pay for community amenities such as recreation centres, trails, and cultural facilities.

They ensure that new growth contributes to the amenities that make Courtenay a great place to live.

ACC rates are based on:

  • 20-year growth projections
  • Eligible capital projects (e.g., recreation and culture facilities)
  • Benefit allocation between existing and new residents
  • A Municipal Assist Factor (MAF), which determines the City’s share of costs

The City’s current proposal uses a 1% MAF and modest, city-wide rates for residential and commercial uses.

  • DCCs fund essential infrastructure like water, sewer, drainage, roads, and parks.
  • ACCs fund community amenities like recreation centres, sportsfields, and cultural spaces.

Together, they ensure growth pays for both infrastructure and quality-of-life amenities.

ACCs are typically collected:

  • At subdivision approval for low-density residential development, or
  • At building permit issuance for other residential and commercial developments.

This ensures the City can fund and deliver new amenities as development occurs.

Yes. Under the Local Government Act, ACCs do not apply to:

  • Affordable and government or non-profit owned or leased rental housing
  • Supportive, cooperative, or transitional housing
  • Places of public worship
  • Developments that do not increase population or employment
  • Any capital cost already covered by a DCC

The MAF is Council’s policy decision on how much the City contributes toward growth-related amenities.
The provincial minimum is 1%, but Councils may choose to contribute more.
A higher MAF lowers costs for new development but increases the City’s financial responsibility.

Following consultation in fall 2025, staff will present the final ACC Bylaw for Council’s consideration.


Unlike DCC bylaws, ACC bylaws do not require Provincial Inspector approval between third and fourth reading, allowing both the ACC and DCC bylaws to be adopted together later this year.