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Community amenity contributions are public benefits or amenities provided by private developers through certain forms of redevelopment. They include things like park and sidewalk upgrades, new park space, public art, family-oriented housing and heritage preservation.
These contributions are required when rezoning land to a direct control zone (Direct Control Zone) in order to construct a building larger than what is permitted under the existing zoning. They help offset the impacts of growth and encourage high-quality development that contributes to the community in which it is located.
The rules for these contributions are set out in policy C599 - Community Amenity Contributions in Direct Control Provisions, which was approved by City Council on Tuesday July 10, 2018, and updated on December 7, 2020. This policy establishes how much must be contributed, the types of development that must have contributions, and what is considered an amenity.
The Guidebook for Community Amenity Contributions explains how the policy works in plain language.
Applications to rezone property to a direct control provision (DC1 or DC2) that increase permitted floor area by more than 5% are required to contribute community amenities. Residential developments of 12 or fewer units are exempt.
Contribution requirements are calculated by multiplying the increase in floor area (in metres) by the current contribution rate:
Contribution requirement ($) = increase in floor area (sq. m) x rate ($)
The increase in floor area is the difference between that allowed in the base zone and that proposed in the new zone. Floor area is calculated by multiplying the site area by the floor area ratio listed or proposed in the zone.
Applicants satisfy the contribution requirements for their project by proposing community amenities of equivalent or greater value in the regulations of the proposed direct control zone.
The 2024-2025 amenity contribution rate is $44.92 per additional square meter of floor area.
Additional information on the procedures the City will use to evaluate community amenities can be found in the Administrative Procedures document.
Dollar amount written in regulations
Dollar amount written in regulations
Eligible costs not covered by City grant, as determined by the Senior Heritage Planner
$300/sq. m or up to $500/sq. m with evidence of costs
Market Value
Value of space as determined by agreement between applicant and community league
$35,000 per unit
Dollar amount written in regulations
Non-standard. To be determined at time of application
$2,860 per metre of frontage* or dollar value in zone
* Value of streetscape improvements vary based on the following assumptions and will be adjusted for specific applications as needed.
| Improvement Type | Cost Per Unit or sq. m | Spacing | Cost Per Metre of Frontage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree | $2,000/unit | 10m | $200 |
| Soil Cell | $10,000/unit | 10m | $1,000 |
| Lamp | $6,000/unit | 10m | $600 |
| Brick/pavers | $305/sq. m | N/A | $1,070 (3.5m sidewalk) |
Total: $2,870
Value of streetscape improvements per meter of frontage, assuming a 3.5 meter sidewalk.
The policy was developed through intensive collaboration with developers and community members, including: