VanPlex Plexperts · BC Multiplex Resource
Metro Vancouver Regional District
Indexed on VanPlex Plexperts — the BC multiplex civic-programs and reference directory.
Metro Vancouver is a regional district made up of 21 municipalities, one electoral area (Electoral Area A), and the Tsawwassen First Nation. It runs region-wide services: drinking water, wastewater (sewer), solid waste, regional parks, and regional land-use planning. It serves a population of about 3.1 million as of 2024.
Why multiplex builders care
Metro Vancouver charges its own Development Cost Charges on top of whatever your city charges.
Metro Vancouver charges its own Development Cost Charges on top of whatever your city charges. As of January 1, 2025 the regional DCC was $21,941 per residential lot unit, $19,874 per townhouse unit, and $13,392 per apartment unit — split across water, liquid waste (sewer), and parkland. On a small multiplex those charges run into five or six figures, so budget for them at intake. In April 2026 the Boards voted to roll the planned 2026 increase back to 2025 rates, so the 2025 numbers above are what apply through 2026 until the amendment bylaws get provincial sign-off. The Metro 2050 Regional Growth Strategy also shapes where density goes: it directs growth to transit-oriented locations and sets a target that at least 15% of new units in urban centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas be affordable rental, which feeds into how municipalities zone for multiplexes.
Key documents
The actual PDFs, programs, and forms you'll use.
Development Cost Charges — program overview and rates
Current DCC rates for water, liquid waste (sewer), drainage, and parkland, plus waivers and the 2025–2027 program update.
Development Cost Charge Program Update Fact Sheet (2025–2027)
Phased rate changes, the assist factor, and the parkland DCC introduced in 2025.
Metro 2050 — the Regional Growth Strategy
Adopted February 24, 2023. Directs growth to transit-oriented locations and sets the 15% affordable-rental target in urban centres and FTDAs.
Metro 2050 — Executive Summary
Short version of the five regional goals and the housing and transit policies.
Member Jurisdictions
List of the 21 municipalities, Electoral Area A, and the Tsawwassen First Nation.
How to use it
- 1
Add the regional DCC to your project budget separately from your city DCC or DCL. As of 2025 it is $13,392 per apartment unit, $19,874 per townhouse unit, and $21,941 per residential lot unit.
- 2
Check whether your units qualify for the affordable-rental DCC waiver — Metro Vancouver expanded these waivers in 2025–2026.
- 3
Read your municipality against Metro 2050: if your site sits in an urban centre or a Frequent Transit Development Area, expect more density allowance and the 15% affordable-rental policy.
- 4
Confirm the rate in effect at building-permit time. The 2026 increase was rolled back to 2025 rates in April 2026, with amendment bylaws pending provincial approval — verify the current figure before you pro forma.
Recent updates
2026-04-15
Metro Vancouver Boards voted to roll back the planned 2026 DCC increase to 2025 rates, lower the 2027 increase, and extend the move to a 1% assist factor from 2027 to 2029. Amendment bylaws submitted to the Inspector of Municipalities; adoption anticipated July 2026.
Read more2025-01-01
New DCC rates took effect (Step 1 of the 2025–2027 program), including a newly established parkland acquisition DCC and expanded waivers for agricultural and affordable rental housing.
Read more2023-02-24
Metro 2050, the Regional Growth Strategy, adopted by the Board after three years of review.
Read moreOfficial links
Go to the source.
Related resources
BC Bill 44 — Housing Statutes Amendment Act
The November 2023 provincial law that requires every BC municipality to allow multiplex on lots previously zoned single-family. The legal foundation for every BC multiplex.
BC Energy Step Code
BC's tiered energy-efficiency standard for new construction. Step 4 is the multiplex sweet spot for CMHC MLI Select bonuses; Step 5 approaches Passive House.
BC Housing
Provincial Crown agency that licenses every BC residential builder and runs the mandatory 2-5-10 new home warranty system.
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