New Amenity Cost Charges Scheduled to Start June 9, 2026
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Cumberland, BC – New Amenity Cost Charges approved in principle by Village of Cumberland Council on March 9, 2026 are expected to come into effect on June 9, 2026 upon bylaw adoption. Amenity cost charges (ACCs) are one-time fees collected from new development to support the delivery of growth-driven amenities. ACCs collected in Cumberland will support recreation and daycare amenity infrastructure needed to serve growth in the community.
The purpose of this advisory is to provide advance information to builders and developers about how the new charges apply, including eligibility for in‑stream protection under the existing charge structure.
In‑Stream Protection for Applications Submitted Before Bylaw Adoption
Certain development applications submitted before the adoption of the new ACC Bylaw, scheduled for the Council Meeting on June 8, 2026, may qualify for in‑stream protection, provided they meet the Village’s complete application requirements.
The Bylaw adoption date is the date when Council approves the new ACC Bylaw. All subdivision or building permit applications received after the adoption date will be subject to the new charges.
Precursor applications received before the bylaw is adopted may be exempt from the new charges until the date the ACC bylaw receives an inflationary update, tentatively planned for early 2027, subject to the criteria outlined below.
Criteria for In‑Stream Protection
Precursor Applications (Rezoning and Development Permit)
- ACCs do not apply to subdivision or building permit applications that have precursor rezoning or development permit approval, if final subdivision or building permits are approved before there is an amendment to the original ACC Bylaw . The original ACC Bylaw is scheduled for an inflationary increase bylaw amendment in early 2027.
Building Permit Applications
- An application that is determined to be complete once all required components are uploaded digitally to the satisfaction of a Building Official, and all applicable fees are paid; and
- The related building permit must be issued before the original ACC Bylaw is amended. The original ACC Bylaw is tentatively scheduled for an inflationary increase bylaw amendment in early 2027.
Subdivision Applications
- An application must have undergone pre‑submission review and be considered complete by Village staff;
- All application materials must be uploaded and all applicable fees paid;
- Conditional approval must not lapse during the instream protection period; and
- Final subdivision approval must occur before the inflationary update bylaw tentatively scheduled for early 2027.
Expiry of In‑Stream Protection
Newly adopted ACCs will apply in all circumstances for building permit and subdivision applications:
- Following the tentatively scheduled inflationary update to the ACC Bylaw in early 2027.
Any building permit or subdivision application extensions following an amendment to the ACC Bylaw will be subject to the new ACC and future instream protection will follow the 12-month instream protection similar to DCC instream protection.
For more information on the new ACC, in‑stream protection, or payment options, please visit engagecomoxvalley.ca/amenity-cost-charge-program-development or contact Courtney Simpson, Director of Development and Bylaw Services.
Fast Facts
Are you planning a development application? Here are the key fast facts you need to know about upcoming ACC in‑stream protection deadlines in Cumberland.
- New Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) take effect June 9, 2026 for all new subdivision and building permit applications submitted after bylaw adoption.
- Complete applications submitted before bylaw adoption may qualify for in‑stream protection, allowing applicants to be exempt from ACCs until the original ACC Bylaw is amended (an inflationary amendment tentatively scheduled for early 2027), if they meet completeness and approval criteria.
- In‑stream protection expires when the original bylaw is amended (early 2027)—after that point, all building permit and subdivision applications are subject to the new rates, including any extensions.
- Certain developments are exempt from ACCs under provincial law, including places of worship, and certain types of publicly funded and non-profit housing as outlined in the Local Government Act.
- As of January 1, 2026, developers can choose to pay ACCs/DCCs in two installments: 25% upfront and 75% deferred (with required financial security), or they may continue to pay the full amount at once.
Contact
Courtney Simpson, Director of Development and Bylaw Services, Village of Cumberland
CSimpson@cumberland.ca