Cranbrook Chamber Report Calls for Balanced Approach to DCCs

WORKING WITH THE CITY OF CRANBROOK FOR OUR MEMBERS' SUCCESS

The life cycle of an advocacy issue: how the chamber works

Cranbrook, B.C. — February 9, 2026 — The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce has released a Consultation Summary Report outlining its position on proposed Development Cost Charge (DCC) updates and the broader challenge of funding growth-related infrastructure in Cranbrook.

The report follows a consultation session hosted by the Chamber with the City of Cranbrook, where Chamber members heard directly from City staff on infrastructure funding pressures, construction cost escalation, and the rationale behind potential DCC increases.

“There is no cost-free option,” the report states. “If growth-related infrastructure costs are not recovered through Development Cost Charges, they are ultimately borne by existing businesses and residents through higher taxes, utility charges, or reduced service reliability.”

Key themes identified by Chamber members include:

  • The need to assess DCCs within the broader total cost of building and investing in Cranbrook
  • Risks to competitiveness if increases are not paired with mitigation tools
  • The potential for disproportionate impacts on smaller commercial renovations and infill projects
  • The shared views with the City of Cranbrook, of the importance of predictability, transparency, and clear communication

 Conditional Support for DCC Increases

The Chamber’s report outlines clear conditions under which it would support DCC increases. Central to this is the adoption of a published cost-sharing framework grounded in fairness, competitiveness, sustainability, and transparency.

The full Consultation Summary Report is available here:

SUMMARY REPORT

The Chamber’s Advocacy Committee is a dedicated and diverse group of volunteers that works with the Executive Director to steer issues toward actionable change for our members.

The Chamber sent a letter in September 2025 to the City of Cranbrook , advocating for active consultation on the proposed increases to the rates for Development Cost Charges.

The City of Cranbrook provided to our Board and Committee a wealth of resources and education surrounding this topic to complement the Committee’s historical knowledge and experience.

A consultation session was held on January 6, 2026, where the Advocacy Committee, Board Directors and members of the Chamber were invited to learn and offer their feedback.

The Chamber would like to acknowledge and thank the City of Cranbrook for demonstrating their shared belief that consultation with the Chamber is beneficial to this process.

You can learn more about our committees here:

CHAMBER COMMITTEES