Coquitlam backs highrise and low-rise off Como Lake Avenue

Despite concerns about the unit mix being “out of whack,” Coquitlam council unanimously backed a 35-storey market strata tower in Burquitlam during Monday’s meeting.

Spanning six lots on Tyndall and Claremont streets, the project also includes a six-storey rental building. In total, the development includes 400 units including 244 studio and one-bedroom units.

The idea of smaller units making up 60 percent of the development is “quite out of whack,” according to Coun. Brent Asmundson.

The longtime councillor also noted that many of the smaller units range from 450 to 575 square feet.

“I have a problem with that,” he said.

Asmundson and Coun. Matt Djonlic agreed that council needs to have a conversation around Coquitlam’s policy on unit composition, unit sizes, and livable housing.

Djonlic recounted: “horror stories we’ve heard from some residents in some of these extremely crammed units.”

The project’s six-storey building includes 42 purpose-built rental units as well as 19 below-market units.

The applicant, StreetSide Developments, needs to bring a housing agreement back to council for approval before final adoption.

Once the development permit is issued, StreetSide is on the hook for approximately $21.4 million in community amenity contributions, a density bonus, and development cost charges. The developer would also have to carry out roadwork and utility upgrades valued at about $1.1 million.

In the neighbourhood

Council previously approved a 44-storey apartment building at North Road and Tyndall Street and two connected six-storey buildings totalling 120 units on Tyndall Street.