Council seems keen on seven-tower Coquitlam College development

Coquitlam council got their first look Monday at a 7.2-acre project sandwiched by Whiting Way and the Vancouver Golf Club that would bring about 2,400 new homes to the city.

Despite a few concerns about holdout lots, commercial space, and the need for childcare on the former college site, council didn’t raise any major objections during the committee meeting.

The project, submitted by Onni development company, consists of seven towers ranging from 28 to 50 storeys. While the precise numbers haven’t been worked out, the developer is proposing approximately 2,450 units, including 600 purpose-built rentals and between 80 and 100 below-market rentals.

If the project moves forward, it should include an area for the neighbourhood’s dog walkers, according to Coun. Teri Towner.

“We have to also think about livability for our four-legged residents,” she said. “Is there any consideration in this project for a slice of lands that would be for [off-leash] dogs.”

While the project is still being fine-tuned, Onni’s architects said they would examine the possibility of reserving a parcel for the dogs.

The project should include a “modest” amount of commercial space, said Onni’s vice president of development Robert Vrooman.

That modesty was a concern for Coun. Trish Mandewo.

“Through gentrification, we are losing those small mom-and-pop joints in that area,” she said. “If we continue to not make space for them, we’re going to again end up having people be dependent on their cars.”

The development is slated to include about 63,000 square feet of commercial space. Around two million square feet earmarked for residential.

The development should be a complement to the nearby commercial hubs on North Road and Austin, explained architect Kevin King.

“In some ways you want [commercial/retail space] everywhere because it’s what brings vibrancy and activity but if it’s everywhere it won’t all be vibrant and active,” he told council.

Several councillors emphasized the need for childcare in the area, with Coun. Brent Asmundson recommending that Onni come back to council with plans to include 133 childcare spots, “or more.”

While commercial space is important, childcare is vital, said Coun. Craig Hodge.

“I don’t think it’s an either/or,” he added. “If I had to pick, I would say that childcare is a bigger priority,” he said.

Onni bought the site from Coquitlam College in 2021. There are still three lots on the site the company hasn’t bought, a prospect that didn’t deter Mayor Richard Stewart.

“We prefer developments that are more natural and contiguous but we’re not going to let someone hold a project ransom or seek more than market value,” Stewart said.

Getting those lots would likely improve the project, according to Coun. Robert Mazzarolo.

While Mazzarolo said he understood negotiations were ongoing, he would want proof the developer went “above and beyond” to buy the holdout lots.

Noting the lack of parks in the area, Coun. Matt Djonlic concurred.

“The possibility here of expanding the park northbound is critical,” he said.

Onni likely won’t ask Coquitlam for a parking reduction, according to Vrooman.

“I think when we’re selling condos there is an expectation for parking,” he said.

Vrooman said the company is currently in talks with SHARE about the below-market housing.

“Music to my ears,” said Coun. Djonlic, who suggested this might be a chance to get some provincial funding for affordable housing.

The project also includes a plan to daylight an Austin Creek tributary that divides the site.

Under the new provincial housing legislation, new housing in the area would need to be at least eight storeys and a floor area ratio – the building’s total floor space measured against its lot size – of 3.0. The project’s FAR is 6.71.

Monday’s meeting was a chance for council to offer early input on the proposal before Onni submits a formal proposal.