Malaspina Village to bring affordable rental to Coquitlam’s City Centre neighbourhood

The deal is done and the shovels can hit the ground.

A 473-unit non-market rental development can now be built at 1144 Inlet Street following a unanimous vote from Coquitlam council on Monday.

The development is intended to house low- to moderate income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

The project, which was advanced by Metro Vancouver’s housing division, consists five six-storey apartment buildings arrayed over the 4.4-acre Malaspina Village site. With the first phase of construction set to begin early in 2026, the project will replace the 67 non-market townhouses that were built in 1982.

Former tenants have either been relocated to other Metro Vancouver Housing sites or other accommodations, according to Metro Vancouver senior media relations strategist Jennifer Saltman.

“All tenants who were relocated have the right of first refusal on the new units,” Saltman explained in an email to the Dispatch.

Metro Vancouver announced plans to advertise the project’s affordable units for moderate income households through its website once construction is complete.

Coquitlam council previously approved a maximum capital contribution of $5.95 million toward the first phase of the project.

“We support the creation of new housing and non-market housing partnerships in order to help ensure that our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to stay and build their futures in this community,” Mayor Richard Stewart stated in 2024.

Council gave the project final approval without discussion on Monday.