Cottonwood house removal meant to clear way for park expansion

Coquitlam is looking to clean house.

Nine years after buying property on Cottonwood Avenue for parkland expansion, the city is looking for a contractor to either demolish or haul away the house.

Coquitlam recently issued a Request for Proposals in an effort to find a contractor to deal with the approximately 4,000-square foot house in the 500-block of Cottonwood.

The contract is set to be awarded in February with the house removed by May 1, 2026, according to the RFP.

Relocation is listed as the preferred option. Depending on how many bids roll in, the city may look at demolition proposals only if relocation is: “determined to be unfeasible” or unable to meet the city’s schedule.

Built in the 1990s, the wood-frame house has a natural gas fireplace, double garage, and a concrete perimeter, based on a previous MLS listing.

The house would become the contractor’s property “as-is,” according to the RFP. Besides disconnecting utilities and removing the building foundation, the job requires clearing trees and roots.

The contractor must have relocated or demolished three houses in the last five years.

“Proposals containing boilerplate, non-specific, or AI-generated content may receive a lower score,” the RFP stated.

Coun. Craig Hodge has often called for older homes to be relocated rather than demolished.

“We can’t keep crushing houses and putting them in dumpsters,” he said. “We’ve got to find a better way.”

Cottonwood Park is set to more than double, going from 5.15 to 11.5 acres, including a new trail connection and three courts for racquet sports.

The previous phase of the Cottonwood Park expansion added a softball diamond and soccer field.