Volume 3 - Program & Project Ideas (PDF - 4.5 - Natural Life Network

Natural Resources Canada – Community Energy Systems
Source: ACT grant fact sheet. http://www.actprogram.com/english/projects/c10.asp For
additional information, contact Martin B. Silver, General Manager, Region of York Housing
Authority Tel: (905) 895-3223 ext. 2014; Fax: (905) 895-5724. E-mail: ryhc@planeteer.com
- Case study: Charlesbourg, QC
The City of Charlesbourg developed regulations and invited applications to add a second
unit onto an existing bungalow. A demonstration unit was built.
• Efficient use is made of existing infrastructure.
• Urban sprawl is curbed.
• Vehicle between suburbs and city center is reduced.
• Affordable housing is provided.
• Over 80 units have been added to date.
For additional information, contact Peter Murphy, Ville de Charlesbourg, Québec. Tel.: (418)
624-7507, fax: (418) 624-7525.
L.1.9.6 Development cost charges
- Case study: Maple Ridge, BC
Development costs charges (DCC’s) are applied by municipalities to new developments
to offset the costs of additional expenses associated with the development (such as roads
and schools). There are various ways of calculating the DCC’s charged to developers (or
builders). The most common practice is to charge a flat fee or per unit rate, regardless of
the size of the house. The Urban Development Institute: Pacific Region developed a
square foot model for charging DCC’s and consulted with municipalities in Greater
Vancouver Regional District.
Other issues:
• Charging DCC’s on a square footage basis encourages builders to build
smaller houses. Smaller houses use less energy to maintain and build.
• Studies indicate there is also less car ownership among residents of smaller
houses.
• In most cases, smaller houses are on smaller lots, generate less storm water
runoff, and demand less transportation infrastructure.
• Additional DCC’s for secondary suites should be avoided because this
discourages the building of houses with suites.
• DCC’s should reflect the true costs of different types of development. DCC’s
should be lower for moderate density mixed-use areas located in central
locations, and higher for distant low-density single use areas.
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