Despite potential parking problems, Coquitlam council approves rental project between the highways in 7-2 vote

It’s housing in a transit-oriented area, but at least one councillor was doubtful residents of that new housing would be taking transit.

Coquitlam council recently voted to approve a six-storey rental building at on Alderson Avenue, Grayson Avenue and Guilby Street northwest of the Ikea – despite misgivings from Coun. Teri Towner.

“We don’t have say on the parking regulations anymore,” she said. “We have no control thanks to the legislation of the provincial government but I don’t think it’s enough parking.”

The project includes 175 units and 112 parking stalls for residents. Under provincial housing legislation, the project is within a transit-oriented area and therefore exempt from parking requirements.

During a previous discussion, Towner expressed concern that many residents of the new building would own multiple vehicles, “and the parking will overflow into the neighbourhood.”

The building would be about a 1.4 kilometre walk to the Lougheed Town Centre SkyTrain station.

“Family housing, not next to transit, plus SkyTrain doesn’t go everywhere anyways,” Towner said at the July 7 meeting.

Joining Towner in opposition was Coun. Robert Mazzarolo, who objected to the lack of family-friendly units.

The development includes 121 studio and one-bedroom units – 57 of which include a den – as well as 37 two-bedroom units and 17-three-bedroom apartments.

Despite encouraging the developer to add “more family-friendly sized units,” Mazzarolo noted there has been no change.

During a previous discussion, Coun. Matt Djonlic said he might have been less inclined to support the project if not for the fact “we desperately need” rental housing.

“I think if this weren’t a rental project it would be a rougher ride for me,” Djonlic explained.

According to prior estimates from the city, developer Quantum Properties is set to pay the city approximately $4.5 million in developer cost charges and community amenity contributions, as well as $3,500 for transportation demand management.