On Monday, Council approved an updated development cost charge bylaw for submission to the province, proposing even lower residential rates and a simplified fee structure to support housing delivery and future growth. 

“If we want people to be able to live and buy a home in Surrey, we need to make housing more affordable to build,” Mayor Brenda Locke said. “By lowering DCCs, we are supporting the delivery of more homes for current and future residents while continuing to invest in the roads, utilities, parks, and community amenities a growing city needs.” 

 The proposed 2026 DCC rates would reduce residential charges by approximately seven to nine per cent from 2024 levels, while remaining broadly comparable to other municipalities in the region. For example, DCCs for single/small-scale housing in Surrey are $51,633 compared to Langley at $87,615, while DCCs for a townhouse in Surrey are $27.15–$54.87 per sq. ft. compared to Burnaby at $38.54 per unit. 

Council also endorsed two new amenity cost charge bylaws to fund community facilities needed to support growth, including recreation centres, libraries, parks, and cultural amenities. Under this framework, contributions from development are expected to generate about $350 million over 10 years for city-wide amenities, and $147 million over 30 years for the new Newton Community Centre.  

 Together, the updated DCC bylaw and new ACC framework are part of the City’s broader approach to managing growth, supporting housing delivery, and ensuring the timely development of the infrastructure and amenities needed to serve a growing population. 

 Subject to provincial approval, the updated DCC bylaw will return to Council for final adoption. The ACC bylaws will go through Council approval steps and be considered alongside related updates to the City’s planning and zoning regulations.