Coquitlam to offer density for history in bid to preserve two heritage homes

History’s future seems a bit bleak in Coquitlam.

Coquitlam council recently took the first steps to preserve two heritage houses by offering extra density on each site – but that type of deal is becoming a thing of the past.

“Many of the incentives that we’ve offered in the past to save heritage homes are actually being eliminated,” said Coun. Craig Hodge, noting new housing legislation allows extra density on many lots.

Mayor Richard Stewart agreed.

“I worry that this is among the last ones,” he said of a pending heritage revitalization agreement.

Despite some misgivings about lost trees and scarce parking, city council unanimously gave first reading to a pair of heritage projects at a Jan. 13 meeting.

Located at 910 Quadling Ave., the Baumer residence is like a “a step back in time,” Hodge said. The Craftsman house was built in 1927 by millwright Arthur Baumer, who etched his name in concrete at the rear of the house.

The house hasn’t changed much over the past century, Stewart said.

The heritage revitalization agreement would mean relocating the Baumer house to allow room for a 7,556 square-foot triplex.

The floor area ratio – a measurement that calculates a development’s total floor space against its lot size – would increase from 0.75 to 1.23.

If the deal is approved, the applicant would pay the city approximately $154,000 in development cost charges and community amenity contributions.

A rear porch and stairs that were not part of the original house would be demolished.

Over at 651 Rochester Ave, the Goddard house dates back to 1939/40 built. Featuring bottle glass-dash stucco and original windows, the house is an example of the Arts and Crafts style of architecture.

The house would be moved to allow for six extra dwelling units and two secondary suites.

The amount of extra density on Rochester seemed somewhat perplexing, according to Coun. Brent Asmundson, who voiced concerns about limited parking in the neighbourhood.

“If you only need three units . . . to save that building, that’s all you really should have,” Asmundson said.

The site seemed appropriate for the proposal, according to city staff.

Of the 21 trees on the site, 17 would likely need to be chopped down, according to an arborist report.

There is a “growing concern” about lost trees and lack of parking, noted Coun. Steve Kim.

Under the new legislation, housing trumps heritage and trees, Mayor Stewart said. Those changes will make it harder for municipalities to preserve heritage houses, he said.

“We can’t dangle any density. The density’s already made available by the province,” Stewart said.

Provincial legislation allows for three or four housing units in areas previously zoned for single-family housing. Lots near frequent transit can have up to six units of housing.

Both projects require a public hearing and further votes from council before construction can begin.