City-wide Development Cost Levy update

Recently, we have simplified our DCL system by replacing several older Area Specific DCL Districts and other exempt areas with the City-wide DCL District. As a result the size of the City-wide DCL District has increased.

In July 2015, Council directed staff to update the City-wide DCL bylaw. The last major review of the City-wide DCL was in 2003.

The City-wide DCL review and update will be done in two phases, which will include:

• Updating population and job growth projections
• Identifying capital costs for growth-related amenities
• Determining DCL allocations and rates

This work is anticipated to be complete by July 2017.

New development within the City-wide DCL boundary pays a DCL on a square foot basis. DCLs help pay for growth-related capital projects for the following amenities and services:

• Parks
• Engineering infrastructure
• Replacement housing
• Childcare facilities

City-wide DCL update project

As part of the City-wide Development Cost Levy review and update, we have retained Hemson Consulting to conduct a two phase study.

Phase 1: May - September 2016

• A review of industry best practices and methodologies
• Stakeholder input
• Phase 1 report

As a phase 1 deliverable, Hemson Consulting completed a DCL Best Practices Guide in November 2016. The guide reviewed best practices from five select cities in North America and provided recommendations.

• Read the guide  (858 KB)

Phase 2: September 2016 - July 2017

• Growth-related capital forecasts
• Preliminary full-cost recovery DCL calculation
• Finalize DCL rates and present Phase 2 results
• Stakeholder input
• DCL background study and draft bylaw

• Read the City-wide DCL Background Study (Hemson Consulting, July 2017)  (3.6 MB)
• Read the City-wide DCL Rate Update: Evaluation of Potential Impacts on Urban Development (Coriolis Consulting, June 2017)  (900 KB)

Current City-wide DCL allocation

Vancouver's growth over time 

Over the next 25 years, Vancouver's population and jobs are expected to grow by 132,000 and 81,000, respectively.

A growing city creates demand for additional housing, transit, amenities, and green space. The City undertakes careful, long-term planning for the costs associated with this growth.