Burke Mountain townhouse project to include wildlife ‘buffer’

A 404-unit townhouse project earmarked for the Partington Creek neighbourhood is headed for public hearing, following a unanimous vote from Coquitlam council on Monday.

Spanning nine lots on Victoria Drive and Edwards Street in the Partington Creek neighbourhood, the project would take shape amid “uniquely valuable ecological habitat,” according to a city staff report.

Besides three fish-bearing waterways, the land is also known for “exceptionally high” black bear activity. A 15-month wildlife study of the area noted deer, otter, heron, bobcat, coyote, cougar, and barred owl, as well as several at-risk species.

City staff recommended establishing a 50-metre-wide wildlife corridor along Partington Creek south of Victoria Drive, as well as a “100-metre buffer” around the wildlife hot spot where Partington Creek approaches Cedar Drive.

The star represents the wildlife buffer. image supplied

As part of the arrangement, the developer would dedicate those lands for environmental protection while changing the park plans. Knoll Park would be expanded by 1.25 acres.

While council supported moving the project forward, Coun. Brent Asmundson asked city staff to talk with the developers about adding childcare.

“A lot of developers are missing the point that, by including a daycare . . . it will actually add value,” he said. “People will pay a little more to live in an area where they know a daycare is close by.”

With an estimated 72 childcare spaces needed, the developer is planning to pay into the city’s child care reserve fund, much to Asmundson’s chagrin.

“Taking the cash, that small amount that we’re taking, will never facilitate a daycare,” he said.

While he praised the wildlife corridor, Coun. Matt Djonlic noted that if the same development was built in a more urban area, it would likely include retail space.

“We need to see something more on Burke Mountain,” he said.

If approved, the developer would pay the city approximately $19.8 million in development cost charges and community amenity contributions.

The project applicants include Kasian Architecture and Interior Design and Lovick Scott Architects.