Coquitlam added 9,341 residents between 2016 and 2021, a 6.7 percent increase that brought the city’s population to 148,625.
But was that the right type of growth? We asked candidates about the density being added, the city’s plans for Burke Mountain, and the recently approved TriCity Central project.
Here’s what they said.
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Is Coquitlam adding the right kind of density? Why or why not?
Benjamin Perry
No. Very high density is being added near SkyTrain stations, but there is missing middle density. We need more medium mixed-use developments along major transportation routes. This can provide more affordability, allow residents to choose to live without a car, and add ridership to bus routes.
Carl Trepanier
I believe so. We are limited in the space we have and are an attractive place to live. Building density near major transit and gently reducing it as we move outward works in our situation.
Robert Mazzarolo
Coquitlam requires family-oriented density. This includes 3-bedrrom townhomes and rowhomes, and 2- and 3-bendroom condos. Family-oriented density has many positive spinoffs. Building communities through community organizations, clubs, and societies. It will also provide a robust consumer base for local businesses.
Sean Lee
Yes. Nonetheless, to improve the quality of life in Coquitlam, we must focus on improving road infrastructure and increasing access to green public transportation in all parts of our city in order to reduce traffic jams and carbon emissions in the long run.
Brian Misera
I love the condos along North Road. We need 18,000 new homes by the end of this decade and over 5,000 will need to be 3 bedrooms or more, so I support condominiums near SkyTrain stations and single family homes and townhouses up Burke Mountain.
Cameron McBryer
Perhaps yes, but it seems like no, because the transit backbone isn’t as good as it needs to be.
Dennis Marsden (incumbent)
We are seeing housing across the spectrum including density near rapid transit that includes family sized units, recently we are seeing more 4 bedroom townhomes, another piece to ensure families can be raised here in Coquitlam.
Teri Towner (incumbent)
It depends who you ask. Some people who already live here, don’t want others to move here; others (including me) want housing options for families, young people, seniors, low income residents. Transit-oriented, compact urban centre type density is, in my opinion, the right kind of density and Coquitlam is doing that.
Rob Bottos
We need a mix of housing options including densification around SkyTrain stations, but we are not doing enough to ensure complete affordable communities with a broad range of services and retail and associated good paying jobs in our neighborhoods.
Trish Mandewo (incumbent)
Yes and NO. We have done a lot to diversify the types of housing. At the end of the day, the developers look at their bottom line and they decide to move forward or hold off. A good example is how through our housing Choices program, the city developed pre-approved stock plans for fourplexes and triplexes.
Phillip Buchan
Yes and No. I think the towers close to transit are good for the city, but there is not enough below market housing in the towers. We need reduced density in single family home neighbourhoods. We need more 3 bedroom or 4 bedroom apartments and rentals built as well.
Ben Craig
I support density around transit hubs, not withstanding my environmental concerns around the Oakdale development. I do not support high density encroaching on single family neighbourhoods.
Matt Djonlic
We need to focus on re-doubling our efforts on the missing middle of housing. Purpose built rental, co- ops, below market options, seniors rental near community centres like Dogwood Pavilion, and three-bedroom family oriented housing.
Do you support Coquitlam’s long-term plan for growth on Burke Mountain? Why?
Benjamin Perry
No. Burke Mountain development brings two important issues into opposition – housing supply and protecting the environment. Not only does development on Burke Mountain mean losing more forest, it also means more residents driving more cars and creating more emissions and traffic. On the other hand, there is a demand from residents for more homes. I would oppose any development on Burke mountain that did not include at least 20% affordable rental, average density equivalent to 5 storeys, coordination with transit routes, and complete services including retail, medical, educational, and recreational
Carl Trepanier
Yes I believe we are respecting nature by building on only 5% of Burke and building medium density allows us to put appropriate facilities in the area for the population.
Robert Mazzarolo
I am conflicted about this. I live on Burke Mountain in a townhome. It’s what my wife and I could afford. If the development wasn’t there, we wouldn’t have a place to live. I would prefer more park space, more untouched forest space, and more 3-bedroom townhomes and 3- bedroom rowhomes.
Sean Lee
No, I don’t. The City’s plan to further develop Burke Mountain areas will devastate our environment and wildlife. One of my major platforms is Green Space Conservation. When elected, I will speak up to redirect our focus to redevelopment to preserve green spaces and wildlife.
Brian Misera
Yes, because we need more family friendly homes to raise our children here.
Cameron McBryer
If we’re building suitable low rises that protect as many trees as possible, maintain green spaces and protect wildlife habitat then yes.
Dennis Marsden (incumbent)
I support the development of the retail village, community centre and the introduction of services that residents have been calling for along with sufficient population to enable the businesses to prosper. This MUST be done in conjunction with improved transit options NOW.
Teri Towner (incumbent)
Yes. It’s within the Urban Containment Boundary (the long-term stable footprint for urban development in Metro Vancouver). I only support development where there are already people – not outside the UCB.
Rob Bottos
As growth proceeds on Burke Mountain, we need to do more to ensure complete communities with a broad range of services including schools, childcare, professional services and essential retail. We need to focus on living, working, and playing in our neighborhoods rather than long commutes and shopping trips.
Trish Mandewo (incumbent)
Yes and No. We need more density along the transit system and modest growth on the mountain. A balance must be sought between new development and preserving natural areas within the urban containment boundary. We need density to support transit, schools, and economic development.
Phillip Buchan
No I think it should be scaled back to protect the wilderness, plants and wildlife on Burke Mountain. The infrastructure is also inadequate to support all that growth.
Ben Craig
I am in favour of low to medium density development on Burke Mountain that attracts families to Coquitlam. However, so far the plan has fallen short of providing schools and transit in the area.
Matt Djonlic
Much of this is already in development. I recognize we do need more housing. What I do want to see for Burke Mountain though is a recreation centre with pool and commercial space with a grocery store. For the projected population growth taking place we need to make sure we have a complete community on Burke Mountain with schools, parks, recreation, and some commercial space.
Are you in favour of building a residential neighbourhood at Christmas Way and Pheasant Street? (the TriCity Central project)
Benjamin Perry
Yes. City Centre in Coquitlam is an opportunity to provide more homes for our city. However, if these homes do not contribute to solving the needs outlined in the February 2022 housing needs report, I will oppose this development.
Carl Trepanier
Yes. The proposed residential/commercial mix makes a great deal of sense for the area and for Coquitlam housing goals. It is in direct contact with rapid transit and within walking distance of major amenities such as shops, restaurants, a university/college and recreational facilities like Percy Perry, Stadium, Lafarge Lake and CCAC.
Robert Mazzarolo
This location is close to both a SkyTrain and the Westcoast Express stations. This is an ideal location for density; however, it needs to be family-oriented density. The mix of units should be weighted far more in favour of 2- and 3-bedroom units, and an increased percentage of below-market rentals.
Sean Lee
Yes, I am. However, road infrastructure must be improved before the onset of development to avoid predictable traffic issues in the area. When elected, as an IT expert, I will introduce an evidence-based design plan to improve road infrastructure in our City to resolve future traffic issues.
Brian Misera
I absolutely support it.
Cameron McBryer
It’s an interesting idea. I’d like to see the traffic planning for that.
Dennis Marsden (incumbent)
I do support this project as it is a complete community including residence, tourism serving hotel/conference centre, retail stores, restaurants, rental housing, below market rental, market condo and space for approximately 1,700 permanent jobs, the most complete project adjacent a multi modal transit hub in Metro Vancouver.
Teri Towner (incumbent)
Yes! Residential market condos, market rental & below-market rental, also jobs; vibrancy: a hotel, conference centre, child care, parks, plazas, office space, retail, restaurants, pedestrian bridge, pathways, public art. Right next to WCE, Skytrain, bus loop and a highway is the perfect location for all this residential development and employment.
Rob Bottos
My only criticism of this project is that there does not appear to be many below market rentals as compared to the project that Polygon is building nearby. We need to take every opportunity to ensure a mix of housing options is available.
Trish Mandewo (incumbent)
I am in favor of mixed use. This area is at the intersection of all transportation networks. It makes sense to have a vibrant business community and residential above. Doctor’s office and other support businesses will be perfect for this area.
Phillip Buchan
Yes I support it, but there is not enough below market housing in it.
Ben Craig
I support density around transit hubs. However, this large project was approved unanimously with little discussion, particularly as it relates to the 3030 Gordon homeless shelter and its incorporation into the new community.
Matt Djonlic
Yes. I believe in focusing density around SkyTrain stations. As a resident of Town Centre myself, I believe this is the location to focus higher density. We have three SkyTrain stations, a major bus loop, Westcoast Express, and the possibility of attracting more businesses through an increase in office space.
