The City of Coquitlam is moving forward with the implementation of Amenity Cost Charges, a development financing tool introduced by the Province that largely replaces the City’s long-standing Density Bonus and Community Amenity Contributions programs.
COQUITLAM, B.C., April 29, 2025 – The City of Coquitlam is moving forward with the implementation of Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs), a development financing tool introduced by the Province that largely replaces the City’s long-standing Density Bonus and Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) programs.
These changes were introduced through recent provincial legislation, which significantly alters how local governments can fund growth-related amenities.
Why Are ACCs Being Introduced?
Coquitlam has long relied on its Density Bonus framework, a proven and effective system that helped fund vital amenities such as parks, recreation facilities, libraries, and cultural spaces. However, new provincial legislation will replace this tool, requiring municipalities to implement ACCs instead.
While the City must comply with these legislative changes, Coquitlam remains committed to ensuring new development contributes its fair share to the amenities and infrastructure that support a growing community. The City has developed an ACC framework based on provincial legislation and ACC Best Practice Guide, with rates structured similarly to Development Cost Charges (DCCs), which fund essential infrastructure like roads, utilities, parks and public safety facilities.
The proposed ACC program will recover approximately $356 million over the next 10 years to fund growth-related amenities. A further $31 million will be covered by the City through other funding sources.
What Will ACCs Fund?
Under the new provincial framework, ACCs are specifically designated to fund community amenities such as:
- Community centres and recreation and athletic facilities
- Libraries and public squares
- Cultural and community spaces
Consultation with the Public
The City will engage with residents and industry interest holders before finalizing the ACC framework. A virtual information session will take place on May 13, 6 – 8 p.m. The City will also have targeted engagement with interest holders in the development sector.
To register for the virtual information session, visit LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/ACC
What Are the Impacts to the Community?
ACCs will largely replace the funding previously generated through the City’s Density Bonus and Community Amenity Contributions programs, but they do not offer the same flexibility as the City’s former system. Unlike Density Bonus, ACCs must follow strict provincial guidelines and cannot be used for non-amenity related community priorities such as affordable housing that were previously supported under Coquitlam’s framework. Additionally, ACC’s are not based on land values, like the City’s previous Density Bonus framework, but rather a fixed fee calculated on the City’s 10-year capital plan against forecasted growth over the same time period.
In the absence of ACCs, the City would rely on property taxes and government grants to fund new amenities.
Coquitlam's Response to Provincial Housing Legislation
Coquitlam is committed to addressing housing affordability and supply challenges within the framework of provincial legislation. The City is actively implementing the changes imposed by the provincial government, including enabling small-scale multi-unit housing, increasing density in transit-oriented areas and updating its Official Community Plan. These steps build on Coquitlam’s strong housing record, with more than 7,457 new homes created between 2021 - 2024, including non-market units and below-market rentals.
Coquitlam’s award-winning Housing Affordability Strategy remains a key driver in delivering diverse and inclusive housing options. While these efforts align with provincial objectives, the City emphasizes the importance of local expertise in community planning.
Learn more about Amenity Cost Charges at LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/ACC. For more information on Coquitlam's response to provincial housing legislation, visit coquitlam.ca/ProvincialHousingChanges.
Media contact:
Gorana Cabral
Director Finance
604-927-3070
HousingChanges@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.