Growers are being invited to provide Metro Vancouver with feedback on proposed changes to development cost charges (DCCs) collected to fund the region’s water infrastructure.
Greenhouse growers pushed back against DCC increases last year, winning a reduction or waiver of DCCs for “agricultural developments designed to result in a low environmental impact.” An interim bylaw that took effect May 23 grants a 98% reduction of water DCCs for agricultural developments incorporating a potable water meter and “water management plan outlining how the development will minimize potable water consumption and maximize conservation, particularly during peak demand season (May to September).”
Parkland acquisition DCCs are fully waived under the interim bylaw under the same conditions.
Metro Vancouver says it’s committed to a long-term solution to address the potential impacts of DCC rates on new or expanding agricultural developments, which is why it’s inviting feedback by July 31 on the next round of changes, set to take effect in 2028.
The changes could make the interim reduction and waiver permanent, as well as create “a separate rate and category for agricultural development,” something Metro Vancouver says the farm community has requested “to reflect the unique nature of these developments, like greenhouses facilities.”
While the changes would affect a range of on-farm construction within the Agricultural Land Reserve, advocacy has been spearheaded by United Flower Growers (UFG), the BC Greenhouse Growers Association (BCGGA) and the BC Landscape and Nursery Association.
The groups encourage participation in the consultation.
In addition, discussions are ongoing regarding the conditions for the interim DCC reduction and waiver.
“We continue to work to provide more clarity on what agricultural operations need to do to meet their low environmental impact criteria to be eligible for the 98 per cent lower rates,” a memo to growers says.
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