Burquitlam apartment development with childcare gets high marks from council

Despite a concern about small unit sizes, Coquitlam council unanimously advanced a project that will put two apartment buildings on seven lots in Burquitlam near the Port Moody border.

At six and seven storeys, the two buildings comprise 170 units as well as a childcare facility with space for 25 children – an inclusion that should set a precedent, according to Coun. Brent Asmundson.

Developers frequently say childcare can’t work with medium density apartments, Asmundson noted. This project proves it does work, he said.

“This sets a precedent that I’m going to expect more developers coming in with medium density to put in childcare, especially in northeast Coquitlam,” he said.

Located at Ingersoll Avenue, Grant Street and Clarke Road, the project is set to cover 41 percent of the parcel, which is made up of seven lots. Unit sizes in the development, which is largely surrounded by single-family homes, range from 425 square feet for a studio to 932 square feet for a three-bedroom unit.

“It feels like the units are getting smaller,” said Coun. Steve Kim.

However, Kim noted the challenges of ensuring the owners live in the units.

While acknowledging some of the units are “on the smaller side,” Coun. Robert Mazzarolo said he was ultimately persuaded to support the project because of the inclusion of childcare.

“That is something we know we need. We know we need it in that area of our city,” he said.

Breakdown

• Studios: 6
• One bedroom units: 88
• Two-bedroom units: 59
• Three-bedroom units: 17

Located about 1.2 kilometres from Burquitlam SkyTrain station, the project is set to include 211 parking spots.

The developer, Kasian Architecture Interior Design, is set to pay the city approximately $1.9 million in development cost charges and community amenity contributions. The total is considered preliminary until the building permit is issued.