As Coquitlam densifies and follows housing orders from the provincial government to build more homes, the city is eyeing four high-traffic neighbourhoods for growth.
And, until Sunday, Nov. 3, the municipality is asking for feedback through a survey.
As part of its update of transit-oriented areas, city staff are consulting the public about possible development in southwestern Coquitlam — that is, properties:
- around the Burquitlam SkyTrain station
- around the Lougheed SkyTrain station
- along Austin Avenue
- along Como Lake Avenue
The online poll asks respondents for input on their connection to the targeted areas and whether they would like to see more housing and shops in the neighbourhoods.
Under Victoria’s new rules, municipalities must now:
- designate transit-oriented areas around SkyTrain stations, by bylaw
- take out minimum residential parking requirements
- meaning no parking is required in multi-family buildings and high-rises, except for people with disabilities
- set minimum building heights and densities
The changes mean if you own property in what is called “Tier 1” or 200 metres or less from a SkyTrain station, you can now build a 20-storey tower with 5.0 FAR.
For landowners in “Tier 2” or 200 to 400 metres from a SkyTrain station, you can construct a 12-storey building with 4.0 FAR, and for those living 400 to 800 metres from a station in “Tier 3,” you can build an eight-storey structure with 3.0 FAR.
The new housing rules also mean that cities can’t deny a development proposal in a transit-oriented area based on density or height up to the allowable minimums.
Responses from the online survey will guide Coquitlam staff and council as they update the Official Community Plan, medium- and high-density zone regulations and plans to improve infrastructure and amenities in the four high-growth areas.
After the work is complete, city planners will look at options for “unplanned” transit-oriented areas like around the Braid and Moody Centre stations, as well as the parts around the Coquitlam Central, Inlet Centre, Lafarge Lake–Douglas and Lincoln stations that weren’t included in the City Centre Area Plan Update that council adopted in late 2020.
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