Coquitlam approves zoning for 1,100-unit City Centre project

The groundwork has been arranged for a nine-building, 1,175-unit development at 1145 Inlet St., following a unanimous vote from Coquitlam council on Monday night.

There was no discussion.

The vote changed zoning in the city’s official community plan, allowing for high-density apartment buildings in the neighbourhood located roughly equidistant from Coquitlam Centre and Coquitlam River Park.

The project includes a 29-storey highrise, eight mid-rise buildings, as well as 126 market rental units and 14 below-market units which would be operated by B.C. Housing or a nonprofit society.

When originally pitched, Ledingham McAllister’s project included 1,115 units and zero below-market units. As the project also involved the demolition of a 113-unit rental building at 1145 Inlet St., several councillors were reticent to offer support.

As compensation, displaced residents are set to receive between $750 and $1,000 in moving expenses, as well as between three and 10 months paid rent based on how long they’ve lived in the building.

Situated on an eight-acre parcel, the development curves around Malaspina Village up Inlet Street and stretches to the 3100-block of Tahsis Avenue.

The site is largely surrounded by single-family houses and townhomes, however, much of the area is zoned for medium and high-density residential development.

The 29-storey tower is set to consist of 337 strata units – five percent of which would be three-bedroom.

Set to be built in three phases, the project also includes a childcare facility and a path to Maple Creek School.

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.

The development needs one more vote from council before construction can begin.