Burquitlam tower re-approved, now with childcare

Six months after it was first approved, Coquitlam council once again supported a project that will swap 11 houses west of Clarke Road for a 38-storey tower and three six-storey buildings totalling 567 units.

Located approximately about 750 metres north of Burquitlam SkyTrain on Westley Avenue, Elmwood Street and Kemsley Avenue, the project earned third reading in June despite Couns. Craig Hodge and Brent Asmundson raising concerns over its lack of childcare.

About 112 children were expected to live in the new development, necessitating 30 new childcare spaces in the neighbourhood.

The developer, Rize Alliance, was slated to pay the city $194,000 earmarked for Coquitlam’s childcare reserve fund. However, following third reading, Rize Alliance and city staff eventually drew up a plan to convert what was set to be a common amenity area for the strata building into a 4,189 square-foot childcare facility.

The space is expected to accommodate 37 children, ranging from infants to five year olds.

The facility is the “minimum recommended” size in order to ensure financial viability, according to a city staff report.

Asmundson thanked Rize Alliance for adjusting the development.

“I’m very pleased with this company and their ability to give a second thought and a second look,” Asmundson said.

That change required previous approvals to be rescinded and for the project to go through the city’s development process a second time.

Council unanimously gave the project third reading on Dec. 11.

Stretching over approximately 11 lots and 1.78 acres, the project is set to include 137 rental units in two six-storey buildings, as well as 26 below-market rentals.

The project requires one more formal vote from council before construction can begin.

According to the city’s previous projections, Rize Alliance is expected to pay Coquitlam approximately $27.5 million in development cost charges, a density bonus, as well as other charges.