Why is the Village updating these charges?
The Village of Radium Hot Springs (Village) is in the process of updating Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. No. 344, 2008. The Development Cost Charges (DCC) Bylaw was last updated in 2008, since that time:
- The Village is experiencing greater pressure on its existing infrastructure due to ongoing growth, making infrastructure upgrades essential to support and unlock further development.
- Infrastructure project costs have increased and current DCC rates no longer reflect the funding that is needed to deliver these projects.
- Changes to Provincial Legislation permits more density (SSMUH) and allows wider scope of services and amenities to be cost shared (Bill 46).
Where are we today?
To date, the Village has prepared materials for the DCC programs that includes proposed projects, costs, and rates. The draft DCC rates were presented to Council at the November 24, 2025 meeting (find the Council Meeting Package here).
A virtual DCC information session for the development community and interested parties was held on January 22, 2026.
What are Development Cost Charges (DCCs)?
DCCs are one-time fees collected to help communities recover the costs of off-site infrastructure needed for growth. They are based on the principle of cost-sharing infrastructure between existing taxpayers and new development. They are a Provincially regulated tool; the Local Government Act sets out the general requirements under which local governments may administer DCC programs.
Funds generated through DCCs are intended for one-time capital costs (planning, engineering, design, legal, studies) and can only be used to fund growth-driven projects within the following categories:
- Transportation services
- Water services
- Drainage services
- Sewer services
- Parkland acquisition and improvements
- Fire protection facilities
- Police facilities
- Solid waste and recycling facilities
DCCs cannot be used for projects that serve the existing population (i.e., deficiencies, asset replacement), for operations and maintenance costs or for community buildings (i.e., recreation centers, ice arenas, pools, libraries).
What are the proposed DCC rates?
DCCs are levied on a per lot or per dwelling unit basis for Low Density Residential and on a per unit basis for Medium Density Residential and High Density Residential. Non-residential (Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional) uses will be levied per square metre of gross floor area.
The proposed DCC rates outlined below assume a 1% Municipal Assist Factor (MAF) for all programs except water treatment (50%).
| LAND USE | Unit | Proposed DCC Total (1%; 50% MAF) |
| Low Density Residential (single-detached and duplex) |
per lot / unit | $17,766 |
| Medium Density Residential (townhouses, rowhouses, detached accessory dwellings units) |
per unit | $11,000 |
| High Density Residential (apartment buildings) |
per unit | $7,497 |
| Commercial | per m2 GFA | $69.87 |
| Industrial | per m2 GFA | $39.71 |
| Institutional | per m2 GFA | $69.87 |
*Gross Floor Area
When are DCCs paid?
DCCs are paid by applicants/developers at the time of:
- Subdivision, for approval to create new single-family lots (Low Density Residential); or,
- Building Permit, upon application to construct Medium or High Density Residential, Commercial, Industrial, or Institutional developments
What happens to applications already in process?
When a new DCC Bylaw is enacted, an existing development application submitted prior to the adoption of the new Bylaw(s) is granted 12-month in-stream protection.
In-stream protection will apply to both building permit and subdivision applications received prior to the adoption of any new DCC Bylaw. Protection is also extended to rezoning and development permit applications that were submitted prior to the adoption of any new DCC and that will result in a building permit within 12 months of bylaw adoption. If an application meets the required criteria of being submitted prior to the adoption of the new DCC Bylaw, it is provided protection from rate increases.
Are there exemptions from DCCs?
The below table identifies instances when DCCs are not payable:
| DCC Exemptions |
|
Village Contact Information
- Location: 4836 Radium Boulevard
- Email: village@radiumhotsprings.ca
- Phone: 250.347.6455
