Six-tower Burquitlam highrise project moves ahead

Four years after it was approved by council, the first two highrises in a six-tower development are almost ready to rise on Cottonwood Avenue.

In December 2019, Coquitlam council gave final reading to a project consisting of six towers ranging from 24 and 48 storeys and totalling of 1,973 housing units.

On Feb. 5, council nudged the project closer to reality by approving a housing agreement bylaw that paves the way for the first stage of the project. The development still requires a development permit before construction can begin.

Located at 550 Cottonwood just east of North Road in Burquitlam, the first phase consists of a 30-storey tower with 275 strata units as well as a 37-storey rental tower with 347 market rental units.

“That’s a bunch of affordable housing and rental housing that was built without the province’s involvement,” said Mayor Richard Stewart. “We should do more of those.”

Dubbed Whitgift Gardens by developer Concert Properties, the project spans four lots and includes four condo towers at 24, 30, 43, and 48 storeys as well as two 37-storey rental towers.

The rental buildings include 654 units that must remain rental for the life of the building. Short-term rentals like AirBnB are prohibited.

The project is also set to include approximately132 purpose-built market rental units for seniors.

Council unanimously approved the housing agreement.