Published 2 days ago • loading... • Updated 1 day ago

Landmark B.C. court case seeks to make municipal development fee 'null and void'

In September 2024, Lorval Developments, Martini Film Studios, and other associated companies initiated legal action against Langley Township concerning development fees tied to their planned large-scale film studio project located in the Willoughby area.
The case arose because the firms dispute the Township's right to charge Community Amenity Contributions , a newer type of development fee beyond provincially regulated Development Cost Charges .
The proposed film studio development spans 70 acres near 216 Street and Highway 1, encompassing a total of 735,000 square feet, with sound stages occupying 600,000 square feet, and the Community Amenity Contributions required could have amounted to between $32 million and $39 million.
The B.C. Supreme Court was asked to declare the Township's CAC policy "null and void," while the Township counters that CACs are voluntary, negotiated per developer, and not subject to judicial overturn.
A court decision by Judge Coval is expected in six months or more, and if it favors the developers, it could overturn Langley Township's ability to collect CACs amid rising fee costs adding to construction expenses during a housing crisis.

Insights by Ground AI

Does this summary seem wrong?