Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) invites members of the public and development community to provide feedback on the proposed Regional Water Supply (RWS) Development Cost Charge (DCC) program that will help fund eligible growth-related drinking water projects serving Greater Victoria.
“As the region grows, so do our water needs. The CRD is considering funding options for future water supply infrastructure, and we want to hear from you,” said RWS Commission Chair Gord Baird. “The proposed Regional Water Supply DCC program is designed to ensure that the costs to service new developments are equitably shared and that our water supply system continues to meet the needs of our growing population.”
DCCs are fees paid by developers to help pay for infrastructure required to support growth. They are regulated by the province and are intended to foster fairness, ensure consistency, and promote transparency.
The proposed program has been refined through discussion with our municipal partners, and the CRD is actively engaging with the development community to gather input.
“The proposed program would share costs between new construction and existing users to pay for infrastructure upsizing and water supply expansion due to growth,” said RWS Commission Vice Chair Karen Harper. “Without a DCC program and related revenue, existing water users will pay for the infrastructure required to support development through higher water rates. The introduction of a Regional Water Supply DCC program would align with the ‘growth pays for growth’ principle and programs already in place within the region.”
The CRD invites members of the public to learn more at a virtual information session and complete the online survey by July 5, 2024.
Public Virtual Information Session
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DmLGaTTKQX6CtfintE9HwA
The CRD is also hosting a virtual information session for the Development Community on June 20 from 2:30-4:00 PM.
Input received will be considered by the Regional Water Supply Commission to determine the level of support for the program as well as identify factors to consider related to program design and implementation.
To learn more and provide feedback, visit 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.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492