Surrey launches public consultation on new Amenity Cost Charges and Bonus Density rules to fund parks, housing, and community spaces.
Public Consultation Kicks Off for Surrey’s ACC Plans
Surrey is moving forward with plans to consult the public on new Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) and Bonus Density programs. The city council has approved staff to start gathering feedback on the proposed bylaws, which aim to ensure that Surrey’s growth is matched by the amenities residents need.
A staff report highlights that as Surrey’s population keeps climbing, planning ahead is crucial. Community amenities, parks, cultural spaces, civic facilities, and affordable housing must keep pace with this growth.
What Are ACCs and Bonus Density?
Amenity Cost Charges are standardized fees developers pay to help fund community spaces such as libraries, recreation centres, and daycares. Bonus Density provisions, on the other hand, allow developers to build more densely if they contribute to affordable housing or other community benefits.
According to the report, the new programs are designed to create transparency and fairness while aligning with long-term city-building goals. They are also structured to respond to market trends and housing affordability pressures.
Provincial Changes Drive Local Action
Recent updates to the Local Government Act give cities new tools to recover costs from development. ACCs follow the “growth-pays-for-growth” principle, meaning new development helps fund the amenities needed to support it.
Importantly, ACCs don’t replace Community Amenity Contributions (CACs). But any amenity funded through an ACC cannot also receive CAC or Development Cost Charge (DCC) funding, ensuring no double-dipping occurs.
Deadlines and Coordination
To maintain funding continuity, Surrey must adopt ACC bylaws by June 30, 2026, transitioning smoothly from the existing CAC system. The Bonus Density program will continue, but the new legislative rules require it to align with ACCs, preventing overlap and promoting consistent application.
The province allows ACCs to cover either the entire city or specific areas, and regular updates to the bylaw help keep fees current with population growth and amenity costs. ACCs only apply to new developments in designated growth areas.
Delta Watch: ACCs Not Yet in Use
Nearby Delta is watching closely. A 2024 staff report noted that the province’s expanded development tools—including ACCs—could fund amenities like childcare, recreation, and community centres, similar to how DCCs currently fund infrastructure like water and sewer systems.
Delta plans to analyze ACC implementation further before bringing recommendations to council, while last year it already raised DCC rates by 2.6% to match the 2024 Vancouver Consumer Price Index.
Surrey’s approach reflects a growing trend: ensuring that rapid housing growth doesn’t outpace the amenities communities rely on. With public consultation now underway, residents will have a say in how future developments contribute to the city they live in.
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