Coquitlam council clears way for Burke Mountain townhouse project
The land is the same, but what can go on it has changed.
Despite some concerns about a pending creek realignment, on Monday evening Coquitlam unanimously approved rezoning of three lots on the 3600-block of Crouch Avenue to make way for a future 292-unit townhouse project.
The site is divided by Fox Creek and an adjacent pond and marshy area which neighbour Shawn Cody called: “a bit of an oasis.”
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The developer is planning to realign a creek tributary and to build two new culvert crossings.
Cody expressed concern about a planned realignment of the creek threatening the riparian area, which teams with life including frogs and crayfish as well as the odd bear taking a dip.
The plan is to retain the pond and most of the surrounding area, according to Coquitlam city staff. The realignment of the creek, which is set to be accompanied with new plantings, should allow swifter and safer passage for Fox Creek fish, according to staff.
During a previous discussion on the project, Coun. Brent Asmundson raised the issue of 40 acres on the eastern edge of Burke Mountain without any childcare.
According to a city staff report, approximately 167 children would live in the townhouses, requiring 55 childcare spaces.
“Something’s got to give here,” Asmundson said, suggesting many parents would be forced to drive out of the community to find childcare.
The applicant, Wesbild, opted to offer the city cash in lieu of childcare.
While currently surrounded by single-family homes, vacant townhouse lots and forested areas, the site is earmarked for major changes amid applications for two townhouse projects totalling 199 units.
This Crouch Avenue townhouse project would also mean a new street that would extend Pollard Street as well as new trails, some private and some public, and crossings along Fox Creek.
The development would also come with extended water and storm sewer services, according to a city staff report.
If the project is ultimately approved, the developer would pay the city approximately $14.2 million in development cost charges and community amenity contributions.
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