Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs)

Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) are a new development finance tool introduced by the Province as part of provincial housing legislation that significantly alters how local governments fund growth-related amenities. ACCs will be collected from new development and are intended to largely replace the City’s existing Density Bonus and Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) programs, which are the primary funding sources for critical amenities to meet the needs of a growing community.

ACCs can be used to fund:

  • Community centres and recreation and athletic facilities
  • Libraries and public squares
  • Cultural and community spaces

The City has developed a draft ACC Program in alignment with provincial legislation and that is informed by Council-approved policies, plans and strategies, including the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, the draft Major Facilities Roadmap, and the Library Services and Spaces Strategy.

Why This Matters
As Coquitlam grows, new homes and neighbourhoods create more demand for parks, libraries, rec centres, and community spaces. ACCs make sure developers help pay for these amenities instead of shifting the cost to taxpayers through higher property taxes or reduced services.

The City is implementing ACCs to ensure that growth continues to pay for growth.

What’s Changing?

With the implementation of the Province’s new housing legislation, the City’s longstanding, transparent and well-functioning system of Density Bonus and Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) programs, can no longer operate in the same capacity as has been done historically.

Bill 46 introduces ACCs, which will largely replace these programs and differ significantly from the City’s existing system. Like Development Cost Charges (DCCs), ACCs must be used to recover the cost of capital investments, require a municipal contribution, and are based on population projections. Unlike the previous Density Bonus program – which was voluntary and based on market conditions – ACCs have fixed rates and restrictions on how they can be used. This makes them less flexible and potentially less effective than the previous approach.

Draft ACC Rates

Development Type

ACC Rate

Low-Rise Residential¹

$21,205/dwelling unit

Mid-Rise Apartments²

$21.31/ft²

High-Rise Apartments³

$38.53/ft²

Industrial, Commercial & Institutional

$0

We Want to Hear from You

The new ACC rates will take effect upon bylaw adoption. Coquitlam expects to adopt the first ACC bylaw by June 30, 2025. Before finalizing the ACC Program, the City will consult with interest holders, including the development industry and residents.

Do you have questions or feedback about the draft ACC Program? We’re looking for input from residents, builders, and community partners as we finalize the details.

Email us at housingchanges@coquitlam.ca or receive updates on this project by clicking the “Follow” button at the top of this page.