Amenity Cost Charges

Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) are a new development finance tool introduced by the Province as part of recent provincial housing legislation which significantly alters how local governments fund growth-related amenities. ACCs will be collected from new development and will largely replace the City’s existing Density Bonus and Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) programs. 

The City’s ACC Program was adopted by Council on July 7, 2025 and is informed by approved policies, plans and strategies including the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, the Major Facilities Roadmap, and the Library Services and Spaces Strategy. ACCs will help fund essential amenities needed to support a growing community.

ACCs can be used to fund:

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

Together with Development Cost Charges (DCCs), ACCs form a foundational part of the City's Development Finance Framework and ensure that developers contribute to the cost of growth in the community.

The ACC Program was developed following a public and industry consultation process. Feedback from developers, residents, and community stakeholders helped refine the ACC framework.

ACC Rates - Effective July 7, 2025

Development TypeACC Rate
Low-Rise Residential¹$21,205/dwelling unit
Mid-Rise Apartments²$21.31/ft²
High-Rise Apartments³$38.53/ft²
Industrial, Commercial and Institutional $0


¹ Low-rise residential is defined as single-detached residential, small-scale residential including duplex, triplex, fourplex, multiplexes, and townhomes.

² Mid-rise apartments are defined as apartment buildings up to 12 floors. 

³ High-rise apartments are defined as apartment buildings above 12 floors. 

Payment of ACCs by Instalments

Developers may choose to pay ACCs in instalments if the total ACC amount is $50,000 or more, as allowed under the Local Government Act. Payment terms are as follows:

1.    First payment:

  • Pay twenty-five percent (25%) of the ACC amount and a financial administration fee before building permit issuance. For clarity, the first building permit for the development that authorizes the construction, alteration or extension of a building or structure will trigger the DCC payment.
  • Provide a Letter of Credit (LOC) or Development Charge Surety Bond as security for the remaining balance of seventy-five percent (75%). 

2.    Final Payment:

  • The remaining seventy-five percent (75%) are due and payable in accordance with the applicable legislation and regulations, and are payable on the earlier of:    
    1. four (4) yeas from the date the building permit for issuance, or
    2. fifteen (15) business days after the City gives notice of  final occupancy

Important notes:

  • When paying in instalments, Letters of Credit (LOCs) or Development Charge Surety Bonds are required as security but are not a form of payment.  Payments are to be made by bank draft or certified cheques.   
  • If a developer elects to pay ACCs in instalments, but misses a payment deadline, the full ACC balance becomes immediately due. The City will then use the Letter(s) of Credit or Development Charge Surety Bond to recover the total amount.

As a courtesy, the City’s Finance team will send a payment reminder before payments are due, however the developer is fully responsible for monitoring payment dates. To ensure timely communications:

  • Provide a generic email address for your company.
  • Notify Financial Services if your contact information changes.

Once payments are received, the City will release the Letter of Credit or Development Charge Surety Bond.

Documents