Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) are a provincial development financing tool that helps local governments recover a portion of the capital costs of growth-related amenities.
For the City of Courtenay, ACCs are being considered as part of a broader update to the City’s development financing framework. This work is intended to improve clarity, consistency and transparency for the development community while helping fund amenities needed to support growth.
What are ACCs?
ACCs are charges collected at the time of development to help fund certain community amenities that provide social, cultural, recreational, heritage or environmental benefits.
Examples of eligible amenity types may include:
- recreation and athletic facilities
- community, youth or seniors’ spaces
- libraries
- daycare facilities
- public squares
- growth-related park amenities
ACCs are established under provincial legislation and are separate from Development Cost Charges (DCCs), which are used to fund core infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer and drainage.
Why is the City considering ACCs?
The City is updating its approach to development financing in response to provincial legislative changes and local growth planning needs.
The goals of this work are to:
- create a more transparent and predictable approach to amenity funding
- reduce reliance on negotiated contributions
- align development financing tools with provincial legislation
- help ensure growth contributes toward the amenities needed to support the community
Current status
Work on the City’s ACC program has included technical analysis, Council review and engagement with the development community.
Recent milestones include:
- staff reported ACC rate options to Council in December 2025, including options for institutional and industrial development categories
- Council reviewed the draft ACC project list and directed staff to continue refining the program
- the City has shared information and gathered feedback through the Developer Hub and development industry engagement sessions
Updates will continue to be posted as the bylaw moves through the review and adoption process.
In-stream protection and timing
Applications submitted before ACC bylaw adoption may qualify for in-stream protection under the existing cost structure, provided they meet completeness requirements under provincial legislation and City procedures.
For the latest update on timing, implementation and in-stream application review, visit the Engage Comox Valley Developer Hub:
ACC project list and rates
The ACC program includes two main components:
- an ACC project list, which identifies the eligible amenity projects proposed to be funded through the program
- ACC rates, which are based on technical analysis, growth projections, project eligibility and Council direction
As the work progresses, the City will continue to share updates on both the project list and proposed rates.
Related development financing work
ACC work is connected to several related planning and financing initiatives, including:
- Development Cost Charges (DCC) updates
- Development Procedures Bylaw modernization
- Official Community Plan (OCP) updates
- Downtown Revitalization Local Area Plan (DVLAP)
- density bonus policy work
Learn more and stay informed
You can view background materials, meeting updates and engagement information at the links below:
- Developer Hub updates and engagement information
- Strategic Transportation Plan engagement page
- City of Courtenay Council meetings
Questions?
For questions about Amenity Cost Charges or related development financing work, please contact Development Services.