Port Coquitlam council approves extra floor for 5-storey development on McAllister Street

An extra storey will offically be added to a five-storey mixed-use development project just north of Port Coquitlam city hall.

A public hearing and third reading regarding the required zoning amendment were both held on Aug. 15, and passed without comment from the public or councillors.

In order to permit the additional density, council needs to establish a new comprehensive development zone (CDZ), which staff have now been directed to create.

Quarry Rock Development had requested an additional floor with 17 apartment units be added to the original 63-unit proposal located on the 2200 block of McAllister Avenue.

Council voiced their approval of the proposed change back in July.

The original project was granted a development permit in July, 2020, and construction is currently underway on the 33,000 square foot site.

The new CDZ will net the city $1 million in payment to offset the “significant” parking reductions, and more than $700,000 through density bonusing.

Staff said the proposal is supported by the city’s official community plan, Downtown Action Plan, and housing needs report.

Port Coquitlam needs to build 5,500 more housing units over the next 10 years, or 550 homes a year, according to their housing needs report.

The unit mix would consist of 47 one-bedroom apartments (38 with dens), 28 two-bedroom apartments (14 with dens), and five three-bedroom apartments.

Commercial space on the ground floor will offer an additional 19,500 sq. ft.

City planning documents promote higher densities in this area around the city centre, which is described as a “critical mixed-use spine” by staff.

The site is surrounded by commercial, mixed use and residential developments, which include a Me-n-Ed’s restaurant directly east, and the PoCo Bowling Alley to the west.

Staff said the design’s footprint and character would be unchanged from the plans approved in 2020, with the exception of the additional storey.

“The building footprint, access, ground floor commercial space, the Donald Street pathway extension, the plaza facing the Donald pathway extension would all remain unchanged,” staff said.

There will be a minor reduction in the indoor and outdoor amenity space, according to staff, but this is not expected to reduce livability.

Staff noted the site is close to transit, services and amenities, such as the new Veterans Park, Leigh Square, Lions Park, Gates Park, Donald Pathway, Elks Park and the Port Coquitlam Community Centre.

While the proposed parking ratio is significantly lower than the city’s parking standards, a site-specific reduction is supported by regional transit-oriented trends, according to recommendation.

Staff also note the developer is proposing a car-share program, bicycle parking and a maintenance facility, as well as a one-year transit subsidy to offset the parking reduction.

The car-share program and transit subsidy is a condition of the rezoning approved by council.

Staff note that once development is increased, the additional units will net the city more property tax and utility fee revenue.