The city of Coquitlam is moving forward with a plan that will consolidate development policies along the new Evergreen Line transit corridor.
With the rapid transit project planned to be completed in 2016, there has been renewed interest from developers to build on land adjacent to the proposed stations.
The Burquitlam, Lougheed and City Centre areas have been prime targets for new construction projects, and the city wants to ensure its policies are consistent in different areas.
"This means higher, mixed-use densities within the commercial core around future stations and higher residential densities in a pedestrian-friendly environment within a 10- to 15-minute walking distance of stations," said a staff report.
The city will also require an update to its Burquitlam Neighbourhood Plan, which was drafted in 2002 and does not adequately support the Evergreen Line, according to the report.
Over the next 40 to 50 years, additional roads, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure will be required along with public amenities for the higher -densities that are expected to move into the Burquitlam area. The potential displacement of rental residential units is also something the city will have to consider as the neighbourhood redevelops.
During Monday night's meeting, several councillors said they are concerned with what would happen to development proposals currently before the city while the neighbourhood and transit plans are being developed. Two pre-applications have been submitted to planning staff that call for townhouse developments on the periphery of the Burquitlam neighbourhood area.
Council voted in favour of an amended proposal that would enable staff to move forward with its planning documents while simultaneously allowing current development proposals in the area to progress.
"From a fairness perspective, this might be wise for us," said Coun. Linda Reimer. "I would like to see these two applications moved forward."
