PoCo kickstarts consultation on Shaughnessy apartment complex proposal
It’s about what happens between consulting adults.
Port Coquitlam council unanimously voted Tuesday to begin public consultation on a proposed six-storey, 346-unit apartment project at 1563 Shaughnessy Street – despite one councillor’s reservations.
The project is set to include about 149 parking spots, which Coun. Dean Washington called an: “absolute no go.”
Local news that matters to you
No one covers the Tri-Cities like we do. But we need your help to keep our community journalism sustainable.
“Where would they park? How would anyone go to The Climb?” he asked.
Washington also expressed concerns that Tuesday’s vote could be seen as approval.
“No, this isn’t an endorsement,” confirmed Mayor Brad West.
The applicant, City State Consulting Group, could amend the project after hearing from the public. Council could also request revisions after the consultation process is complete and the project comes back to committee for discussion, West noted.
It can be a challenge to reel a project back in, “once the green light starts going,” Washington added.
The consultation process is expected to include at least three public information meetings and discussions with TransLink, School District #43, Metro Vancouver and Kwikwetlem First Nation.
Neighbours within 300 metres of the site are also slated to be sent information about the project.
The site
The 2.8-acre property is currently occupied by a single-family home surrounded by mature trees. An unnamed stream runs along the south and west boundary of the lot near ƛ̓ éxətəm (tla-hut-um) Regional Park, formerly known as Colony Farm Regional Park.
A strip of land on the western edge of the site is designated as park and recreation under the city’s OCP.
The site also borders lands owned by Kwikwetlem First Nation and city-owned lands earmarked for townhouses.
Process
Following provincial housing legislation designed to streamline the application process, public hearings have been scrapped for projects that are consistent with a city’s Official Community Plan.
However, the proposed project at 1563 Shaughnessy Street would require an amendment to Port Coquitlam’s OCP, necessitating a public hearing.
The preliminary design includes 227 one-bedroom units, 67 two-bedroom units, 35 studios, and 17 three-bedroom units.
Approximately 311 of the units are set to be market rental with the other 35 offered as non-market rentals.
Author
