Micro suites could be coming to Port Moody.
At tonight’s virtual meeting of the city’s community planning advisory committee (CPAC), developer Bill Laidler will present a revised plan for a project he’s proposing to build on two properties on James Road, just east of Moody middle school, that will now be comprised of 114 units in a six storey building. Previously it had proposed 64 units in the building.
In a report, Port Moody’s development planner, Wesley Woo, said the new configuration will consist of 66 studio apartments from 305 sq.ft. to 392 sq. ft., 43 one-bedroom units with an average size of 472 sq. ft. and five two-bedroom units up to 788 sq. ft. He said the small units sizes “are intended to make them more affordable.”
While 81 of the units would be sold at market rates, 11 would be reserved for people earning less than $51,000. Another 22 units would also be set aside as rentals for 10 years, half of them reserved for people earning less than $51,000 per year. As well, 47 units would be adaptable, and another 11 fully accessible with wider hallways and bathrooms to accommodate wheelchairs, along with a walk-in bathtub and lower kitchen counters.
One unit would also be gifted to a local non-profit organization that is focused on local environment education.
In its proposal, the company said the project “is consistent with a long-term vision of densification for transit-oriented sites around stations.” It’s located about midway between the Moody Centre and Inlet Centre SkyTrain stations.
Laidler told The Tri-City News the small units will appeal to working professionals, students and seniors. He said his company is planning to offer some support services to the latter, including companionship as well as cleaning and errands operated by the strata’s management provider.
“The spaces are similar size to seniors homes, however give the occupants independence with their own kitchen and laundry.”
Laidler said micro-suites have been successful in cities like Seattle, as they provide an affordable housing option in an expensive market.
