1,175-unit City Centre project garners unanimous support from Coquitlam council

After getting a rocky reception from council in 2024, a nine-building development is now one vote away from becoming a reality.

The project, which includes one 29-storey highrise and eight six- and seven-storey buildings, garnered praise from several Coquitlam councillors.

Situated on an eight-acre, butcher knife-shaped parcel that curves around Malaspina Village up Inlet Street and stretches to the 3100-block of Tahsis Avenue, the development is set to include a pedestrian path to Maple Creek Middle School, a 57-unit childcare, and ample parking.

“I am so thankful that there are going to be enough parking stalls,” Coun. Teri Towner said, noting council has lost the ability to mandate a minimum amount of parking in transit areas.

The 29-storey building is set to include seven levels of underground parking totalling 458 stalls.

The key issues are land use and livability, according to Towner.

“It’s higher density than what’s in the [official community plan],” Towner acknowledged. “However, it’s close to transit, Town Centre Park, the mall, services, there’s below-market rental.”

“It makes sense to densify areas like this,” concurred Coun. Trish Mandewo.

When originally pitched, developer Ledingham McAllister concluded that providing non-market rentals as well as a 57-unit childcare space: “is not feasible based on the project economics,” according to a city staff report.

Following objections from several councillors, the revised project features a 140-unit, six-storey rental building. Approximately 14 of those units would be rented at 20 percent below market rental rates.

During the public hearing, resident Mateo Barrera discussed the challenges young people face in finding a place to rent.

“If there were more rental units in the area, prices will eventually go down. So for that reason, we can’t stop building more housing.”

Some residents voiced opposition to the project, citing the loss of trees, view-blocking buildings, a short supply of street parking and the future extension of Kensal Place to Inlet Street.

Before a development permit can be issued, issues around road safety, tree retention, and a sewer line need to be worked out. Coun. Matt Djonlic added that he plans to go through the rental housing agreement with a “fine-tooth comb.”

If the project is approved, Ledingham McAllister would pay the city approximately $27.6 million in development cost charges, community amenity contributions and transportation demand management measures, according to preliminary estimates.

Prior to the vote, the project went through a public hearing. Recent provincial legislation has prohibited cities from holding public hearing for project that comply with the municipality’s official community plan, Mayor Richard Stewart noted.

“I can’t think of a time when I didn’t learn something at the public hearing,” he said. “The province took away not the just the requirement, the province took away our right to have a public hearing.”

Stewart encouraged residents to lobby the province to change that legislation.