The population of Metro Vancouver is projected to swell by about one million residents by 2050 – but how does Port Coquitlam fit in?
We asked candidates about the pace of development in the city and in particular about the plan to concentrate density in the Westwood-Woodland triangle. Here’s what they said:
Between 2016 and 2021, Port Coquitlam added slightly more than 1,000 units of housing. Is that too much, not enough, or reasonable?
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Erik Minty
It isn’t enough to satisfy the Housing Needs Assessment but it’s going in the right direction. Because these new developments have been mostly residential-only, it has deepened our jobs deficit and worsened traffic congestion. As we add new housing, we must also increase enough commercial, industrial and institutional space to close this gap.
Jami Watson
It’s not enough. It’s not just the amount of housing available, it is the cost of the units that are available. A two bedroom apartment at $2300 a month is not affordable.
Nancy McCurrach (incumbent)
It is not enough over a five-year period. I am very proud of our council this past term for approving to build over 500 non – market affordable rental at different locations which has infused a significant contribution towards affordable non-market housing stock. We need to continue to build more to keep up with predicted population growth. “Port Coquitlam’s population is 62,298 in 2021 and will increase to 71,800 by 2031” according to Port Coquitlam’s Housing Needs report.
Steve Darling (incumbent)
I believe for a city our size, the amount of housing we have added is a great start but more still needs to be done. Our population is rising, and we have to meet the challenge. The current council is also bringing 500 units of affordable housing to the city.
Mithila Karnik
That would depend on a lot of factors – what kind of housing, the locations within the city, income groups that are able to purchase this kind of equity etc.
Cindy Carkner
That is 200 units per year, which is not enough. Council endorsed a study recommending 550 per year over the next 10 years. That seems reasonable. However, that level of growth requires rigorous planning, significant consultation with the community, collaboration with developers, and thoughtful distribution between owned, rental, and non-market.
Darrell Penner (incumbent)
Clearly we need more housing of all types. Non-market rentals is and will be a very important housing form. Just in the last few years council has created over 500 new non-market unites that did not cost our taxpayers.
Dawn Becker
Immigration and growth will continue in all areas of the Lower Mainland. We need to create the different types of housing needed to accommodate and manage this growth.
Glenn Pollock (incumbent)
Not enough. According to the recently completed Housing Needs Assessment the City needs to be building more housing of all types to meet demand.
Justin Alexander Smith
Not enough. We need to both consider the quantity of housing, as well as the type of housing that is being added. Let’s ensure the housing being built is affordable & accessible. We need more below-market-value homes, as well as a general increase in supply.
Paige Petriw
The number of units is reasonable, but we still need more based on our growing population. The more important question is what type of housing units? We need to ensure we’re creating housing that is suitable for families, seniors and young people starting out in the market.
Do you support the idea of adding density in the Westwood-Woodland triangle?
Erik Minty
Yes, because it is in keeping with the character of this area being close to Central Coquitlam and rapid transit. It was an oversight to remove the mature trees however, and reduce the original commercial space allocations, as that reduces walkability and increases traffic congestion.
Jami Watson
Absolutely. Densification is essential when it comes to reducing our city’s emissions. The less people need to get into their cars, the better. Rapid transit and accessibility to the essentials is key to make densification work as well.
Nancy McCurrach (incumbent)
Yes, it is in a great location, close to a SkyTrain, the mall and other amenities. It is better to built up then out, as we need to protect our Agricultural Land Reserve. We need approximately 1,000 units of housing per year mixed types for owning or renting to keep up with growth over the next ten years, of which 20% should be below-market and affordable. The great thing about the current proposed development is that it offers a variety of housing options within the proposal both purchase and rental with affordable non-market rentals and they are different sizes as well.
Steve Darling (incumbent)
If there is any place in Port Coquitlam to provide this type of density, this is it. This area is close to the SkyTrain and will provide much needed rentals and more specifically family friendly units.
Mithila Karnik
Density is a very arbitrary term – a lot depends on how numerous challenges are surpassed such as street improvements, tree protection, traffic. It is ideal to move forward with a public hearing in this case.
Cindy Carkner
Yes. It is impossible to add housing units without increasing density. Council has now approved rezoning for the Mosaic project, which is positive. However, to create a livable community, we must address traffic pressures, pedestrian safety, integration of bike lanes, parking, childcare provisions, and retention of open space and trees.
Darrell Penner (incumbent)
I do and I did support density in the Westwood Triangle. This is the most ideal area in our community to densify. Closest area in our community to SkyTrain
Dawn Becker
Projections show an increase of one million people in the Metro Vancouver area by 2050. The recent decision by Council to densify this area is one I agree with. The proximity to transit options, shopping and parks will benefit the residents of this development.
Glenn Pollock (incumbent)
I do support the addition of greater density in that area due to its proximity to transit.
Justin Alexander Smith
Yes, and I hope to see more projects like it. Increased density will provide more opportunities for those who grew up in Port Coquitlam to stay in Port Coquitlam.
Paige Petriw
Density is an effective way of addressing housing affordability based on the concept of supply and demand. Of all of PoCo’s neighbourhoods, the Westwood-Woodland triangle is very well suited for this type of development, given the close access to SkyTrain, other types of transportation, and commercial amenities. Improvements to the city’s road infrastructure that support the added density are also included in the development plans which I support.
