ACCs are fees developers pay toward the cost of community amenities needed to support growth — things like recreation facilities, libraries, daycares and public spaces. ACCs are established under provincial legislation and are separate from Development Cost Charges (DCCs), which fund core infrastructure like roads, water and sewer.
ACC charges are based on increases in population or employees as a result of new development.
Updated ACC rates approved by Courtenay City Council took effect April 30, 2026. A scheduled inflationary update to the ACC bylaw is planned for early 2027.
For background information, rates and bylaws, visit the Engage Comox Valley ACC project page.
In-stream protection
If your application was submitted before the ACC bylaw adoption date, you may qualify for in-stream protection — meaning you are exempt from the new ACC rates until the ACC bylaw is amended.
To qualify, an in-stream precursor application must be a complete application to the satisfaction of the City, with all applicable fees paid, and must be actively in progress — not rejected, withdrawn or issued.
Additional criteria apply depending on your application type:
- Rezoning, development permit or building permit applications
Previous ACC rates will apply if a building permit is issued within 12 months of the bylaw adoption date. - Subdivision applications
Previous ACC rates apply if:- the Preliminary Layout Review does not lapse during the one-year protection period
- final subdivision approval occurs before the one-year anniversary of the bylaw adoption date
The new ACC rates also apply following the scheduled inflationary update to the ACC bylaw in early 2027. Any extensions beyond that point are subject to the new rates.
Related development financing work
ACC work is connected to several related initiatives, including DCC updates, Development Procedures Bylaw modernization, Official Community Plan (OCP) updates, the Downtown Revitalization Local Area Plan and density bonus policy work.