As the first phase of modernizing a Coquitlam neighbourhood park gets underway, some city councillors are still pushing for amenities that aren't part of the overall plan.
On Monday, city staff told the recreation committee the first part of the $508,000 renewal project for Glen Park is likely to start in the spring with a new entry plaza off Pipeline Road, playground equipment, picnic area and off-leash dog zone.
But councillors Mae Reid and Neal Nicholson said they're disappointed the finished park won't have a small pool or washrooms.
"We are looking at this [park] to support a high density in Town Centre," Nicholson said.
In March, city council approved the conceptual plan for the 16.7-acre park, saying the area - located south of Glen elementary school - shouldn't be used for organized sports; rugby clubs had wanted to turn Glen Park into their home, Coun. Doug Macdonell, chair of the city's recreation committee, said at the time.
Funding for the Phase 1 re-development will come from the city's parkland development fund ($205,130) and Polygon ($303,249) as part of its nearby Windsor Gate project.
Other city news:
SENIORS' ADVICE
Emerging trends for the aging population are prompting a Coquitlam city councillor to call for a seniors' committee to be struck next year.
On Monday, Coun. Linda Reimer put forward a notice of motion to ask council to organize a group that would advise city hall on topics such as programs and services for the elderly as well as mobility concerns and potential partnerships with School District 43.
Reimer made the motion after attending a workshop at last week's Union of BC Municipalities convention that looked at upcoming issues for the baby boomer population.
"We're going to have to start planning our communities around that," Reimer told The Tri-City News yesterday.
Port Moody is the only Tri-City municipality with a specific committee that deals with senior services and accessibility.
If okayed by city council at its next regular meeting on Oct. 17, the group could start discussions in the new year, Reimer said.
PERMITS
Coquitlam council is set to issue development permits this month for nearly 300 new homes in City Centre and on Burke Mountain.
On Monday, the city's land use committee endorsed the permit - the final authorization before building starts, and looks at form and character of a development - for a 28-storey tower at the northwest corner of Pinetree Way and Glen Drive. The 195-unit highrise at the Ridgemont is being built by Bosa Properties and will include five ground-level stores and 20 universally accessible homes.
As well, the committee approved a DP for 91 townhouses on Galloway Avenue on Burke Mountain - a development that would be below the density allowed, said city planner Raul Allueva.
The townhomes in the Smiling Creek neighbourhood would be built by Mosaic Homes in the Tudor style and on a slope between David Avenue and Burke Mountain Promenade.
Council is expected to consider the two permits at its Oct. 17 meeting.
