Thompson townhouses approved; city adds parks to Oakdale

Thompson Avenue is gong to townhouse.

Coquitlam council recently approved a project that would replace one single-family home with 19 stratified townhouses arrayed in three buildings.

“It’s the new single-detached home for many young families,” Coun. Robert Mazzarolo said during a Dec. 9 council meeting. “Is it affordable? Not necessarily. But it’s more affordable than a single-detached home is today.”

Located at 597 Thompson Ave. west of Clarke Road and about one kilometre north of Burquitlam SkyTrain station, the project is largely surrounded by single-family houses. However, the neighbourhood is earmarked for densification. Two potential developments across the street – one that hasn’t made it to council yet and one nearing approval – would add 10 buildings and 195 units to the neighbourhood.

Park plans

To balance that development, the city is set to double the size of Oakdale Park, according to city staff. Coquitlam has also acquired land at Kemsley Avenue and Clarke for a block-sized park. Another park is planned east of the Thompson townhouse development.

Citing “construction fatigue” in the area, Coun. Dennis Marsden urged staff to take parking into careful consideration, particularly as construction is confined to a single lot.

“I’m going to ask staff to work very closely with the applicant to ensure that we get the trades vehicles off the street,” he said.

The lot is about 25,000 square feet. However, it will shrink slightly to make room for extra roadway at Thompson and Nicola Avenue.

To accommodate the change, the developer asked for setbacks that were approximately one-third shorter than usual, going from 4.5 to 3.1 metres.

“Pretty much they’re giving us land and then they’re asking for it back,” said Coun. Trish Mandewo.

Mandewo warned that giving up those setbacks could lead to narrower roads and less parking space.

In this case, Thompson Avenue is 20-metres wide and should allow for two lanes of traffic and some parking, according to staff.

The development includes 18 three-bedroom townhouses and a single one-bedroom plus den townhouse.

Council would need to approve a development permit before construction can begin.

If approved, the developer is set to pay the city approximately $828,400 in development cost charges and community amenity contributions.