The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce is calling on the city for a fair and transparent approach to proposed updates to Development Cost Charges (DCCs) for new growth.
DCCs are fees the city collects from land developers and property owners when new homes, buildings, or additions are built. These fees help fund infrastructure and services.
In a release, the Chamber says infrastructure funding is essential to support growth, but how costs are recovered is just as important.
The report follows a consultation session with the City of Cranbrook on rising construction costs, infrastructure pressures, and the rationale behind potential DCC increases.
“There is no cost-free option,” the report states.
“If growth-related infrastructure costs are not recovered through DCCs, they are ultimately borne by existing businesses and residents.”
At the same time, the report warns that sudden or poorly designed DCC hikes could harm small projects, downtown redevelopment, and business expansions that drive local jobs and revitalization.
The Chamber says any DCC increase should come with accountability measures, including annual reporting, predefined review triggers if development slows, and response actions such as adjusting project phasing or using other funding tools.
The Chamber also encourages the city to support infill, redevelopment, downtown renewal, and small-to-medium projects with measures outside the DCC system, such as permit process improvements and tax exemptions.
The full Consultation Summary Report is available through the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce.
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