Port Coquitlam approves 6-storey apartment building above Elks Park

A new six-storey apartment above Elks Park has been given the green light by Port Coquitlam council.

The 57-unit project on 2236 Kelly Ave. received unanimous approval on July 9, with the developer receiving praise for how well the building will integrate with the surrounding neighbourhood.

“The care and diligence they have shown with respect to this project’s relation to the Donald Pathway, I think, is incredibly important,” said Mayor Brad West. “It’s an area that people will congregate in because of how nicely it’s been landscaped.”

The 22,350 square foot development site is located on the south side of Kelly Avenue, flanked by the recently-extended Donald Street Pathway to the west, and Elks Park to the south. It’s also in close proximity to Port Coquitlam’s transit station, community centre, and downtown core.

The unit mix consists of 37 studio and one-bedroom apartments (65 percent), 16 two- and three-bedroom apartments, and four two-storey apartment homes. Their sizes range from 462 to 1,205 sq. ft. A total 1356 sq. ft. of indoor amenity space, and 2475.7 sq. ft. of outdoor amenity space is included in the design. 

Staff recommended approval, stating the project is consistent with the official community plan’s (OCP) high density designation and guidelines around conservation, design, environmental and landscaping features.

While the building fronts Kelly Avenue, the main pedestrian entry run adjacent to Donald Pathway, along with indoor and outdoor amenity spaces and a water feature.

Another positive for Port Coquitlam councillors is that the building’s design will allow for the retention of 19 mature trees surrounding the park and pathway.

Coun. Glenn Pollock said the developer had shown respect for Elks Park’s trees and Donald Pathway.

“Everybody who’s in there is happy with the finished product, from what I understand,” Pollock said. “I look forward to seeing this come to fruition.”

A small zoning variance was allowed by council: as Donald Pathway is constructed on a road allowance, the developer requested landscaping improvements such as a new park bench and shrubberies to be planted between the site and the path.

Staff said the variance is in line with the intent of the Donald Pathway design, and will improve its landscaping.

The building also meets Port Coquitlam’s energy requirements, utilizing efficient appliances, air conditioning systems, LED lighting, EV charging stations, and irrigation systems.

There are two levels of parking under the building, containing a mix of traditional and an automated parking system.

Coun. Steve Darling said at first he thought the building design would be difficult to fit on the property, but changed his mind after visiting the site.

“Actually, the building next door is perfect for this,” Darling said. “So I think they’ve done a good job of designing to make sure that the buildings look like they’ve been there forever.”

Council also approved a similar-sized development on Kelly Avenue last February.