Parks Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 2291, 2026

Parks Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 2291, 2026

Staff Report to Special Council

DATE: Monday, August 17, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Parks Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 2291, 2026

Executive Summary

Staff, in collaboration with the consultant, prepared the draft Parks Development Cost Charge (DCC) bylaw, which received first, second, and third readings at the July 20, 2026 Council meeting.

Following third reading, staff identified potential ambiguity within certain definitions that could result in differing interpretations. To ensure the bylaw’s intent is clear and consistently applied, the definitions were reviewed and refined with the consultant.

Council is being asked to rescind the previous bylaw and consider the revised bylaw for third reading.

Background

Last reviewed in 2022, the Parks DCC program now requires updates to support growth-related land acquisitions and projects in accordance with the Parks and Trails Master Plan.

DCCs help recover growth-related infrastructure costs from new development and land acquisitions under the Local Government Act.

Parks DCCs may fund parkland acquisition and basic park improvements, but not deficiencies, renewal, operations, maintenance, or recreation buildings. Some items may instead be eligible under the Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) program.

Commentary

The proposed Parks DCC bylaw updates rates, land use categories, and project costs to support growth-related parkland acquisition and improvements over the next 30 years.

Rates were developed using growth forecasts, project costs, and benefit allocations. The proposed structure aligns with the ACC program and adds commercial and industrial uses.

For residential uses, the proposed rates increase by 5.6% and remain among the lowest in neighbouring municipalities. Commercial and industrial rates reflect anticipated employment growth and the benefit parks provide to these uses.

The development community was consulted on July 14, 2026. Feedback was generally positive and focused on the commercial and industrial rate methodology, in-stream protection, and installment payment options.

Financial Implications

The proposed Parks DCC program includes the legislated minimum 1% municipal assist factor for all projects. This contribution must be funded from other sources, such as reserves, grants, or taxation, and will be included in annual and five-year financial plans for Council’s review and approval.

Legal Implications

Local government bylaws may not be amended after third reading without first rescinding and reconsidering third reading. To address potential ambiguity in the interpretation of certain definitions, staff have refined the wording of the proposed bylaw in consultation with the consultant. As a result, third reading must be rescinded and reconsidered to incorporate the revisions.

After the new third reading, the replacement bylaw will be sent to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs for statutory review and to the Inspector of Municipalities for approval under the Local Government Act after which the bylaw will return to Council for consideration of adoption.

Strategic Plan Alignment

• 5bi – Ensure all budgets are fiscally sustainable.
• 6b – Develop a Parks and Trails Master Plan.

Options

Option 1

THAT Council:

1. Rescind third reading of “City of Langford Parks Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 2291, 2026”;

AND

2. Give third reading to the revised “City of Langford Parks Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 2291, 2026” as presented.

Option 2

THAT Council take no action at this time with respect to “City of Langford Parks Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 2291, 2026”.

Submitted By

Megan Treleaven, Parks Planning and Research Coordinator

Concurrence

Yari Nielsen, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities

Melisa Miles, Manager of Legislative Services

Leah Stohmann, RPP, MCIP, Director of Community Planning and Development

Katelyn Balzer, P.Eng., Director of Engineering and Public Works

Marie Watmough, Director of Legislative & Protective Services

Braden Hutchins, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

Darren Kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer

Attachments

Attachment 1: Bylaw No. 2291