Eight-unit development is: ‘the direction the province has told us we’re going,’ says mayor

While it might have been a bit much or a tad tight for some, Coquitlam council unanimously approved an eight-unit development in a predominantly single-family neighbourhood.

Consisting of a pair of fourplexes sharing one driveway on Delestre Avenue just off Blue Mountain Street, the project would be considered low-density in many countries, noted Mayor Richard Stewart.

“I would have trouble saying this is too much,” the mayor said.

Situated on an approximately 14,000-square foot site, the project could have been denser if it had been subdivided before the passage of provincial legislation, Stewart added. The site can’t be subdivided at this point, according to city staff.

“I’m having trouble balking at eight homes with a better layout than what the province has already said it is an entitlement of 16 homes on this kind of property depending on where the lot lines exist,” Stewart said during the July 6 meeting. “It’s the direction the province has told us we’re going and this one actually is much more livable than most of what the province has imposed on us.”

Coun. Robert Mazzarolo was more uncomfortable with approving the project.

“Eight is a lot for that lot,” he said.

As houses in the area turn into fourplexes, there could be challenges tree canopy and parking, he added.

Including tandem spots, the Delestre Avenue project includes 16 parking spaces.

The project density amounts to approximately 25 units per acre, which is the maximum for multiplexes in Coquitlam.

“I lost the fight on 25 units per acre,” Coun. Dennis Marsden said. “I still don’t like it, but it is policy,” he said, explaining his support.

If the project received a development permit, developer Cre8 Architects would pay the city approximately $366,600 in development cost charges and community amenity contributions. The developer is also expected to pay for approximately $200,000 worth of roadwork and utility upgrades.

About three children are expected to live in the development requiring one child care space. The applicant proposed making a financial contribution to the city’s child care reserve fund rather than providing that one child care space.