Rental project between highways get final go-ahead from Coquitlam council

Following one-last objection, the shovels can hit the ground on a six-storey rental building arrayed over six lots northwest of Ikea on Alderson Avenue, Grayson Avenue and Guilby Street.

Coun. Robert Mazzarolo reaffirmed his opposition to the project due to the lack of family-oriented units.

“We need to be getting more out of our developments and this one doesn’t meet the threshold,” he said.

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.

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.

The project also received criticism from Coun. Teri Towner during a previous vote.

The project, which includes 112 parking stalls for 175 units, is an approximately 1.4 kilometre walk from the Lougheed Town Centre SkyTrain station.

“I don’t think it’s enough parking,” Towner said, noting that, due to provincial legislation, parking in transit-oriented areas is now outside the city’s control.

Mazzarolo cast the only vote against the development at the July 28 meeting.

Quantum Properties is set to pay the city approximately $4 million in developer cost charges as well as $3,500 for transportation demand management. The developer has already paid the city $518,145 in community amenity contributions.