Development Cost Charges Bylaw Update

The City is seeking the services of an experienced qualified professional familiar with the relevant regulations, fundamentals and principles able to undertake a major review of the current Development Cost Charges (DCC) Cost Charge Program and Bylaw, including all necessary background and market research to support their recommendations. In accordance with the DCC Best Practices Guide, the work will include the following:Review existing and relevant legislation and documentation relating to this project Using information from the CIty's ongoing Official Community Plan (OCP) update, define the program time frame and assign the OCP growth projections to the specific land use types to be designated in the DCCs. Provide recommendations on DCC program principles and assumptions, such as municipal assist factor, unit charges, establishing community-wide or area-specific DCCs, waivers and exemptions, at which development stage to collect DCCs, and proposed calculation approaches based on different land use types. Discuss these recommendations with City staff in a workshop. Identify potential DCC projects for inclusion in the DCC program, based on identified capital projects in relevant City documentation as well as City staff input. Review the eligibility of all identified projects for inclusion in the DCC Program. For identified eligible projects, develop cost estimates and allocate benefit ratios. Provide generalized advice on the development of a future Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) program and how it would integrate or impact this DCC program. Prepare a comprehensive background report and a proposed new DCC bylaw. Host and attend at least two Public Open Houses.  Host and attend a stakeholder meeting to discuss the DCC bylaw development with the local development community. Attend and make a presentation at two City Council meetings. Support the City of Fernie by providing content for the development of a project webpage and provide content for key updates throughout the duration of the project. Lead work related to Ministry approval of the proposed DCC bylaw, including the Submission Summary Checklist.