Gateway project inches forward as Coquitlam rezones Austin/North Rd. parcel

While there are still details to be finalized, Coquitlam council unanimously approved a rezoning Monday that could allow for a transformative highrise development to take shape near the Burnaby border.

Consisting of six towers ranging from 36 to 45 storeys, the Wesgroup development would put a total of approximately 2,470 units of housing on five lots on Austin Avenue and North Road, if approved.

The site offers “endless possibilities,” according to Coun. Steve Kim.

While he offered a few words of lament for the Denny’s restaurant that would be lost and the LifeLabs that would be demolished, Kim noted the opportunities for more commercial space and greater vibrancy in the area.

“To me, this is a gateway into the Coquitlam side of North Road,” Kim said.

The 7.8-acre site spans the area from the Denny’s at Austin and North Road to the lot including the now-defunct Independent grocery store.

While council was largely supportive of the project, several inquired about the fate of the LifeLabs location which would be demolished.

City staff have asked Wesgroup development company to include LifeLabs as a tenant in the new development.

“Some second-floor office space would be really good for a LifeLabs,” said Coun. Matt Djonlic.

Both Djonlic and Coun. Dennis Marsden emphasized the importance of adding office space, although Marsden specified those offices shouldn’t be on the first floor.

Following Monday’s vote, Wesgroup is clear to submit a more detailed project description. Council would need to vote in favour of the updated project and approve a development permit before construction could begin.

Much of the discussion Monday centred on criticism of new provincial housing legislation, which Mayor Richard Stewart has previously said will result in fewer homes being built.

Stewart noted that the province’s legislation had no bearing on the pending proposal.

“It required no provincial action, although the province will take credit for it,” he said.

Following a unanimous vote from council, Stewart ironically commented that council would hold a public hearing.

“We’ll now have a public hearing, no, no, that’s gone,” he corrected himself. “The province made that illegal.”

Public hearing are no longer part of the process for development projects consistent with a city’s official community plan.

A grocery and drug store are currently penciled in as anchor tenants.

Approximately three-quarters of the development – 1,870 units – are set to consist of market condos. The other portion of the development is slated to include 548 market rental units and 92 below-market rentals.

Two childcare facilities with space for a total of 128 children are also slated to be included in the project.

If approved, Wesgroup would be on the hook for approximately $133 million in development cost charges and density bonus payments. That sum includes a $7.3-million contribution to the city’s affordable housing reserve fund.