DocumentsStaff ReportJul 15, 2019Pages 113–115
Staff Report - School District No. 62 School Site Acquisition Charge Rate Increase Proposal
Report on School District No. 62's proposal to increase the school site acquisition charge rate and its implications for development and DCCs.
Key facts
- Subject: SD62 school site acquisition charge rate increase proposal
- Page reference: staff analysis and recommendation
- Potential financial impact on new residential development (rate changes described)
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Staff Report to Council
Date: July 15, 2019
Department: Planning
Subject: School District No. 62 School Site Acquisition Charge Rate Increase Proposal
Background
In November 2018, the School Board passed a resolution to increase the School Site Acquisition charge (aka: the Schools DCC) in the following way:
| Density of Development | Current Charge per unit | Proposed New Charge per unit |
|---|---|---|
| Low Density (< 21 Units per hectare) | $698 | $1000 |
| Medium Low (21-50 Units per hectare) | $628 | $900 |
| Medium (51-125 Units per hectare) | $558 | $800 |
| Medium High (126-200 Units per hectare) | $488 | $700 |
| High (+200 units per hectare) | $419 | $600 |
The City collects these charges on behalf of the School Board at the time of development, and remits payments to the School District on a regular basis.
Commentary
While an increase in the School Site Acquisition Charge represents a cost to development which will invariably impact either housing affordability or development potential, it is hard to argue that additional schools are not needed for the SD62 catchment area. The School Board is fully aware of their future school needs, and the School Site Acquisition Charge proposal likely considers the costs associated with meeting these needs.
Financial Implications
No direct implications. The City collects these fees and passes them along to the School District. Although it could be argued that the incremental cost associated with this fee might slow growth and development, that is likely to be negligible, and truly minor compared to the cost of not providing adequate public schools.
Legal Implications
None.
Options
That Council:
Direct staff to send a letter to the School District No. 62 indicating that the City has no concerns with their proposed School Site Acquisition charge increases;
Direct staff to send a letter to the School District No. 62 indicating that Council would prefer not to see School Site Acquisition charges increase, or at least not increase as much as what is proposed;
Respectfully submitted,
Submitted by:
Matthew Baldwin, MCIP, RPP Director of Planning
Concurrence:
Adriana Proton, Manager of Legislative Services
Concurrence:
Cory Manton, Manager of Parks and Recreation
Concurrence:
George Henshall, Deputy Director of Engineering
Concurrence:
Leah Stohmann, MCIP, RPP, Deputy Director of Planning
Concurrence:
Michael Dillabaugh, CPA, CA, Director of Finance
Concurrence:
Braden Hutchins, Director of Corporate Services
Concurrence:
Darren Kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer
:mgsb