Burnaby, B.C. – In early February, MCABC met with Mayor Mike Hurley and City of Burnaby staff to discuss the unintended consequences of plumbing permit fee increases that had taken effect on January 1, 2026.
During the meeting, representatives from MCABC illustrated how projects priced and tendered under previous fee structures were now exposed to substantial cost increases – increases that could not have been accounted for at the time of bid.
Stuart Morrison, Principal, Northland Mechanical Contracting; Kim Barbero, MCABC CEO; City of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley; and Trevor Hildebrand, MCABC Past Chair/Secretary Treasurer and President, Phase Mechanical
Following the meeting, City of Burnaby staff prepared and brought forward an Administrative Report for Burnaby City Council’s consideration on February 24, 2026. The Report, ‘Burnaby Consolidated Fees and Charges Bylaw – Plumbing Permit Fees Amendment’, includes the following proposals:
1. a six-month grace period for plumbing permits (non-residential R1) issued on or before June 30, 2026, such that these permits will be subject to 2025 permit fees plus a CPI increase of 3.79%
2. refund availability for plumbing permits (non-residential R1) issued between January 1, 2026 and March 10, 2026, such that these permits will be subject to 2025 permit fees plus a CPI increase of 3.79%
It is anticipated that Council will grant final adoption to the amended Fees and Charges Bylaw on March 10, 2026. In this case, the grace period and refund availability options could be effective as of March 11, 2026.
This ongoing engagement with the City of Burnaby offers yet another example of MCABC’s powerful advocacy program in action – working with members, partners, and key government stakeholders to solve real industry issues.
Thank you, Mayor Mike Hurley, Burnaby City Council, and City of Burnaby staff, for your collaboration on – and attentiveness to – this issue.
Read the full Administrative Report
See the Report being brought before Burnaby City Council
About
The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.
Media Contact
Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058
