Development Cost Charges are fees collected from new development to help pay for growth‑related infrastructure, such as wastewater treatment plants and sewer systems.

DCCs are regulated by the Province and can only be used for specific, eligible projects. They help ensure the cost of growth is not passed on to existing residents and taxpayers.

RDCO is completing a major five‑year review, as recommended by provincial best practices. While DCCs are adjusted annually for inflation, a full review helps ensure charges remain fair, accurate, and based on current information.

The review included updated growth projections, infrastructure modelling, and construction cost estimates. It confirmed that future growth will require upgrades to wastewater treatment and sewer systems to maintain reliable service.

Based on the review, RDCO is proposing modest updates to DCC rates:

• Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant: approximately 7.7 to 7.8 percent
• East Trunk Sewer Collection System: approximately 5.2 to 5.3 percent

These updates reflect increased construction and material costs that are not fully captured through annual inflation adjustments, while accounting for existing reserve funds.

Updated DCCs would help fund growth‑related infrastructure, including:

• Expansion of the Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Upgrades to lift stations and sewer forcemains in the East Trunk system

These investments help ensure wastewater services keep pace with growth in the region.

DCCs apply only to new development that connects to regional wastewater services.

Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant DCCs apply to new developments in:

• City of West Kelowna
• District of Peachland
• Westbank First Nation

East Trunk Sewer Collection System DCCs apply to new developments in:

• City of West Kelowna
• Westbank First Nation

Existing homeowners would not pay these charges unless they are undertaking new development or subdivision

The public engagement period is open until March 19, 2026 and we welcome your questions and comments.

Use the tools below to asks a questions or leave a comment about the proposed DCCs.

You can also attend the virtual public information session on March 18, 2026 to learn more and ask questions.

All feedback will be reviewed, summarized, and presented to the RDCO Board before any final decisions are made.