Amenity Cost Charges to replace Density Bonus and Community Amenity Contributions in Coquitlam.
The City of Coquitlam is proceeding with the implementation of Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs), a new development financing tool introduced by the province. This tool will largely replace the city’s existing Density Bonus and Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) programs.
These changes stem from recent provincial legislation, altering how local governments can fund growth-related amenities.
For years, Coquitlam depended on its Density Bonus framework to fund crucial amenities such as parks, libraries, and cultural spaces. However, new legislation will require municipalities to adopt ACCs.
Coquitlam is committed to ensuring that new developments contribute fairly to amenities and infrastructure. The city’s ACC framework is based on provincial guidelines similar to Development Cost Charges (DCCs), which fund infrastructure like roads, utilities, and public safety facilities.
The proposed ACC program aims to recover approximately $356 million over the next decade for growth-related amenities, with an additional $31 million covered by the city through other sources.
Funding from ACCs is specifically designated for community amenities such as community centers, libraries, public squares, and cultural spaces.
The city will consult the public before finalizing the ACC framework, with a virtual information session scheduled for May 13. There will also be targeted engagement with development sector stakeholders.
To attend the session, interested parties can register at LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/ACC.
ACCs will replace the funding from the city’s previous Density Bonus and CAC programs but do not offer the same flexibility. Unlike the Density Bonus, ACCs must adhere to provincial guidelines and cannot be used for non-amenity-related priorities such as affordable housing.
In the absence of ACCs, property taxes and government grants would be necessary to fund new amenities.
Coquitlam is addressing housing affordability and supply within the new provincial framework. Initiatives include enabling small-scale multi-unit housing and increased density in transit-oriented areas, building on the city’s housing record with over 7,457 new homes from 2021 to 2024.
Coquitlam’s Housing Affordability Strategy remains crucial for providing diverse housing options, aligning with provincial goals while highlighting the importance of local community planning expertise.
Learn more about ACCs at LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/ACC. Further information on Coquitlam’s response to provincial housing legislation can be found at coquitlam.ca/ProvincialHousingChanges.