Introduction
Development Cost Charges (DCC’s) are fees levied on new development to help finance the cost of upgrading or providing infrastructure services, and the cost of acquiring or developing parkland to support the new development.
Regional Transportation DCC
Since 2020, Bowen Island Municipality, on behalf of Translink, is required to collect the Regional Transportation DCC for all building permits issued and subdivisions approved on Bowen Island. This means that an additional fee on top of the BIM building permit and/or subdivision fees must be paid, per the fee structure below.
TransLink is increasing its Regional Transportation Development Cost Charges (DCCs). The proposed increase reflects an annual inflationary adjustment to TransLink’s DCC rates.
The 2024 rate applies to all permit applications submitted before December 4, 2024.
For applications received after December 4, 2024, the following rates apply:
| Type of Development | Rate per | 2024 | 2025 |
| Single Family Dwelling | unit | $3,194 | $3,330 |
| Duplex | unit | $2,652 | $2,765 |
| Townhouse Dwelling Unit | unit | $2,652 | $2,765 |
| Apartment Dwelling Unit | unit | $1,658 | $1,729 |
| Retail/Service | ft2 | $1.34 | $1.40 |
| Office | ft2 | $1.08 | $1.13 |
| Institutional | ft2 | $0.53 | $0.55 |
| Industrial | ft2 | $0.32 | $0.33 |
Are there any exceptions?
There are a number of exemptions, waivers and reductions that may apply. Please see Translink.ca for a complete list.
How does this benefit Bowen?
Bowen Island is within Translink’s Transportation Service Region. This DCC contributes to the regional share of funding for paying for growth related expansion and upgrade projects in Translink’s 10-Year Vision. These projects will benefit many Bowen Island residents and commuters who travel to the Lower Mainland, helping create greater transit capacity that will attract greater transit ridership, which in turn will also assist in lowering traffic congestion throughout the region. That means more transit, better roads, safer cycling and pedestrian access for everyone.
Resources
- Translink.ca: Development Cost Charges
- Transportation Service Region Map
- Translink Bylaw 151, 2023
- Quick Reference Guide for Development Types
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks DCC
The Metro Vancouver Regional District Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 1369, 2023 creates the new DCC for Metro Vancouver parkland acquisitions. The new DCC bylaw mirrors the provisions of the existing regional sewer and water DCC bylaws. The DCC rates are effective beginning January 1, 2025 and are phased‐in over a three‐year period.
From January 1, 2025, the following rates apply:
| Jan 1, 2025 | Jan 1, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| Residential Lot Development Unit | $491 | $981 | $1,943 |
| Townhouse Dwelling Unit | $442 | $884 | $1,751 |
| Apartment Dwelling Unit | $303 | $606 | $1,199 |
| Non-Residential (per square foot) | $0.24 | $0.48 | $0.94 |
The DCC will fund Metro Vancouver parkland acquisitions over a 30-year period from 2023 to 2052.
Resources:
Metro Vancouver Regional Parkland Acquisition Development Cost Charge
Metro Vancouver Bylaw No. 1369, 2023
BIM DCC
Bowen Island Municipality has been collecting DCCs for acquisition of park lands. These DCC’s must be paid by Subdivision applicants if their proposed subdivision is within certain zones on Bowen Island. Please see Community Parks Acquisition Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 905, 1998 for more info.