In an act of community partnership, the City of Courtenay has approved the full waiver of Development Cost Charges (DCCs) for The Anchorage, L’Arche Comox Valley’s affordable community project at 1560 Grieve Avenue. It’s a decision that brings the dream of a home and a place of belonging one step closer for 15 adults with intellectual disabilities – a crucial resource at a time when affordable housing is out of reach for many, especially those on a limited income living with disability.
“For L’Arche, the City’s decision is a statement of shared values,” says Lynda Brosko, Community Leader & Executive Director for L’Arche Comox Valley. “It’s a demonstration that the city and community stand together in creating a future where people with intellectual disabilities not only have a safe, affordable place to live, but also a place where they are valued, included, and truly at home.”
DCC is a one-time fee collected by municipalities and regional districts from developers to help pay for new development – things like water, sewer, drainage, roads, and parks – required to support growth. While these charges are an important part of how cities plan, they can present a significant financial hurdle for non-profits building affordable housing. Recognizing this, the Council adopted the City of Courtenay Development Cost Charges Waiver (Affordable Housing) Bylaw, which allows the reduction of DCCs for qualifying non-profit affordable rental housing projects.
Through this bylaw, the Council unanimously approved L’Arche Comox Valley’s request to waive almost $39,000 in development charges, with the amount to be paid from the city’s Affordable Housing Amenity Reserve Fund. Courtenay’s decision reflects a growing trend across BC, where municipalities such as Campbell River, Parksville, Duncan, and Penticton have also adopted DCC exemptions to encourage affordable and supportive housing development.
With this support, L’Arche Comox Valley moves closer to breaking ground on a project that will change lives — and make our city a stronger, more inclusive place to live.
