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SLRD adopts its first community amenity contribution policy

Policy may help regional district reap benefits from development
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The SLRD has adopted its first community amenity contribution policy, which may help the regional district capture cash or amenity benefits from some developments.

“We want to have a transparent and clear policy so developers understand what’s involved in making an application at the SLRD,” said SLRD chair Jack Crompton.

This policy is hoped to provide a reference for negotiating rezoning applications with developers.

It’s a move that comes at a time when development in the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, particularly in Area D, is anticipated to ramp up.

For example, Furry Creek is poised to become the site of more than 800 new housing units, following major land purchases by Fine Peace Holdings, a Chinese company specializing in golf-resort style development.

If that project asks to rezone some of its land, this policy could come into play.

The same applies to any other developer that asks the SLRD to rezone land.

While in the past the SLRD has been collecting amenity contributions on an informal basis, this policy represents the first formally codified reference for negotiations.

As of Oct. 24, the guidelines for amenity contributions are $15,000 per new single family lot created.

There are additional suggested contributions attached to the policy.

Costs for every multi-family unit are $7,000 for each unit under 90 square metres (969 square feet).

The price jumps up to $9,000 for units between 90 and 140 square metres (1507 square feet).

Finally, the SLRD is asking for $11,000 for each unit greater than 140 square metres.

The bylaw also states that affordable housing, school sites, fire halls, arenas, municipal buildings and road safety, among other things, are considered community amenities.

These items may also be considered contributions.

Kim Needham, the director of planning at the SLRD, said the rates were created after reviewing other communities that had amenity policies in the province.

This included the District of Squamish and the Village of Pemberton.

Furthermore, the policy is voluntary.

“Amenities in B.C. are voluntary in nature, however, such policies have been successfully in place in other communities for a long time,” Needham wrote in an email.

“It would be at the discretion of the SLRD board of directors as to whether they wished to approve of a new development without the provision of any community amenities.”

Generally speaking, small projects such as single family homes or secondary suites will not be subject to the policy.

 

 

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