A strip mall on Port Coquitlam's northside is expected to get a retrofit soon.
Last week, the city's smart growth committee approved a development permit for improvements at the Prairie Avenue and Coast Meridian Road mall. Among its tenants are Cooper's Foods, Starbucks and a TD Bank.
The applicant, Yenik Realty Ltd., plans to update the mall's facade by replacing the existing canopy, building new sidewalks and extending the current ones, adding bike stalls and landscaping, and replacing storefront windows, according to a city staff report.
Coun. Brad West, a committee member, said he's in favour of an upgrade and wants the city to make the north side a priority, especially given the extra traffic with the development of Burke Mountain in Coquitlam. The busy corner needs better connectivity and greenery, he said, much like what's happened in downtown PoCo.
Meanwhile, the smart community committee also asked city planners last week to review policies dealing with microbreweries. The topic came up after staff received a number of emails about a microbrew business owner who gave PoCo a pass for Maple Ridge.
Under PoCo's current zoning bylaw, microbrews are permitted in commercial and industrial areas but tasting rooms and retail sales aren't allowed unless approved on a site-specific basis by council.
Under the provincial government's recently amended Liquor Control and Licensing Act, tasting rooms and retail sales are now allowed to be attached to microbrews.
"I think across the Lower Mainland, we are seeing the popularity of microbreweries," West said, "but our process is complicated and involves unnecessary red tape.... There should be no unintended obstacles for our businesses."
City planning staff say a report to council will likely come next year.
Other PoCo news:
Nominations are open to name an outstanding volunteer in Port Coquitlam.
The city will accept submissions until March 10 for its annual Volunteer Recognition Awards, which honour residents by category: arts, heritage and cultural awareness; caring and safety; environmental protection and enhancement; sports and recreation; youth programs; youth under 21; and lifetime achievement.
Nominees get a commemorative pin and an invitation to the gala event, held during National Volunteer Week in April. Winners also each receive a personalized etched glass trophy and have their names on the volunteer honour roll at city hall.
Nominees can be any age and don't have to live in PoCo but they cannot have won a previous volunteer award in the city.
Eligibility criteria and online nomination forms can be viewed at portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer. Call 604-927-5410 or email [email protected] for more information.
@jwarrenTC
