Victoria, BC – The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has adopted Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw No. 4658 for the Regional Water Supply (RWS) Service, following statutory approval from the British Columbia Inspector of Municipalities.
DCCs are used to fund water infrastructure projects required to service population growth. They help ensure new development contributes to the water supply infrastructure needed to support it, rather than placing the full cost burden on existing ratepayers. Without DCCs, the costs of expanding and upgrading the regional water system would fall disproportionately on current customers.
The DCC Bylaw establishes a funding source to support the portion of major, long-term capital projects attributable to growth, as identified in the 2022 Regional Water Supply Master Plan, including developing the future Leech Water Source, constructing the Sooke Lake Reservoir deep northern intake, developing a new water filtration plant, and building key water transmission mains. While these projects will be delivered over time to serve Greater Victoria, establishing the DCC program allows the CRD to begin building financial capacity for future investments. This proactive approach helps ensure growth contributes to future infrastructure costs, diversifies funding sources, and reduces long-term pressure on ratepayers.
The DCC Bylaw applies to all development serviced by the Regional Water Supply System, across all 13 member municipalities and a portion of the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. This approach provides a transparent, consistent, and equitable framework for developers, regardless of location within the service area.
In alignment with provincial housing objectives and to support the delivery of affordable and non-market housing, the CRD is also exploring a DCC Waiver or Reduction Bylaw (or grant‑in‑aid policy). This initiative would allow eligible projects, including non-profit and affordable rental housing, to receive reductions or exemptions from DCCs.
The Bylaw provides a one-year in-stream protection period for eligible applications that are already in process. This protection takes effect on the bylaw adoption date of September 9, 2026, and remains in place until September 9, 2027, one year after bylaw adoption. The Bylaw also includes a delayed effective date of April 2, 2027, for new projects.
The Regional Water Supply Commission began considering a Development Cost Charge program as a strategic objective in 2017, with extensive consultation more recently helping to shape the bylaw.
The DCC program will be reviewed every five years to ensure cost-sharing remains equitable and responsive to changing conditions, including population growth, water demand, and the cost of future infrastructure projects.
To learn more about the Regional Water Supply Development Cost Charge Program, please visit: https://getinvolved.crd.bc.ca/water-supply-dcc.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications & Engagement
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492
