A north-south divide is coming to light in Coquitlam's Oakdale neighbourhood over the future of the area.
According to a survey conducted by the city that reached more than 900 respondents, residents in the northern area along Chapman, Nicola and Thompson avenues, and Gilroy Court favour retaining the area's detached-home character.
But residents closer to Como Lake Avenue and the Evergreen Extension — those on Tyndall, Claremont and Elmwood streets — said they are in favour of different housing types, increased densities and more amenities and services.
"We have heard that," Coun. Terry O'Neill said during Monday's committee meeting, where staff went over the survey results. Those who favour "higher density tend to be on the perimeter area," he said.
Future decisions may have to reconsider grouping Oakdale as one unit, he added. O'Neill also noted that in the second phase of public consultation, residents on the north side should be specifically asked whether they are OK with land use changes on the southern portion of the neighbourhood.
The survey results showed other stark differences among priorities for residents in the area.
Quiet streets, improved parks and natural spaces were seen as an important quality for livability for people who resided in the north while access to transit and increased amenities and services were the priorities for people living in the south.
The survey was conducted between April 9 and 30, with approximately 70% of respondents residing in the Oakdale neighbourhood or owning property in the area.
Polling was done as part of the Oakdale Land Use Designation Update, which has city planning staff looking at potential land use changes for the area that will affect development decisions for the next 25 years.
More public consultation is expected in the next phase of the plan and residents are encouraged to go to coquitlam.ca/oakdale for more information or to get involved.
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