Coquitlam adds seven single-family lots to Burke Mountain

Coquitlam put it forward and Coquitlam council approved it.

Following a rezoning and a subdivision, some Burke Mountain parcels are set to be turned into seven lots zoned for single-family houses, following a unanimous final approval vote from Coquitlam council Monday.

Located on a one-acre, city-owned parcel on the south side of Sheffield Avenue, the lots were previously zoned for agriculture and resource. Following approval of the application from Coquitlam’s real estate department, the parcel is set to be converted to residential and subdivided.

Discussing the application in February, one councillor asked why townhouses wouldn’t be a better fit.

The single-family houses should create a buffer between Burke Mountain’s older homes and the neighbourhood’s dense urban village, explained Coquitlam’s city lands and real estate department Curtis Scott.

The development is expected to generate approximately $461,000 for the city via community amenity contributions and development cost charges.

The lots are leftovers from a previous development immediately south that allowed for the creation of two lots slated for medium density apartments and three lots set for townhouses development.

The change spurred a somewhat contentious hearing with several residents arguing that medium density development would overwhelm infrastructure, obstruct views and snarl traffic.

Everyone who lives on Burke Mountain was once a newcomer to the area, Coun. Brent Asmundson said during the meeting.

“I’ve lived there for 32 years, longer than most of the people that spoke up here tonight about not wanting some other people to be up there,” Asmundson said. “I could have said a long time ago, ‘No, none of you guys come up here.’”

Coquitlam’s initial plan for Burke Mountain was a community consisting of about 2,000 units of housing and 120,000 square feet of commercial spread over 39 acres.