Density Bonus & Community Benefits Policy
The creation of new amenities in a growing community is intended not only to help offset the impacts of development but to help make the community more livable for the longer term. In 2015 Council endorsed the Density Bonus and Community Benefits Policy to provide a greater degree of certainty regarding the purpose and value of community benefit contributions that occur in conjunction with development applications.
The policy outlines the types of community benefits possible through development applications and in conjunction with the 2014 Official Community Plan. The policy guides Council in making decisions to density bonus requests and includes guidance on the following types of community benefits:
- Amenity Fund Contributions (funds that help pay for civic amenities)
- Secured Rental Housing (ensuring there are quality rental housing options for future generations)
- Employment Generation (creating jobs close to where people live)
- Heritage Conservation (ensuring the cultural heritage of the City is not lost during redevelopment)
Density Bonusing: Allowing an additional level of density as outlined in the OCP in exchange for amenities or housing needed by the community.
The policy is intended to ensure that new development contributes to the long-term livability of the community by providing contributions towards major civic amenities which could include:
- Harry Jerome Community Centre
- Waterfront Amenity Spaces (Lot 5)
- Park and public open space improvement
- Child Care Facilities
- Museum
- Other Civic Amenities
Since it was first endorsed, the policy has been updated periodically to increase the cash contribution rate and align the policy with the City’s 2016 Housing Action Plan. Since January 1st, 2019, the policy has required new market rental projects seeking a density bonus under the City’s Density Bonus and Community Benefits Policy will be required to provide 10 percent of units as Mid-Market Rental units at 10 percent below average rents, as determined by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, in perpetuity.
Complete Communities
Density is the ratio of the building size to the lot size. By increasing density, less land is used to house more people.
By creating dense, "complete" communities, the City can provide better service and support at less cost. When people can find everything they need in one place, they depend less on cars. Public transit and walking become viable transportation options, contributing to the overall environmental health of the community. By concentrating growth in centres, the City aims to build more efficient communities and reduce urban sprawl.
More and more people are choosing to live and work in the City as it offers a quality of life that is attractive to both residents and businesses. But population growth means higher demand for City resources and services, which in turn places pressure on community infrastructure. Taking into account that the City has limited land to develop, the City must consider innovative, sustainable ways to effectively manage growth.
Delivering Community Amenities & Public Benefits through Development
Density Bonusing benefits can be found throughout the City.