The developer of a new Port Coquitlam rental block has paid the city $30,000 for numerous errors made in the building's underground parkade.
Mayor Greg Moore said the developer of the 29-unit apartment complex at 1972 Suffolk Ave. "gives most of the development community a bad name" for the shoddy construction work.
"It's just unbelievable that something can go this far," Moore told council, noting the drawings approved by the city were not followed.
At its Nov. 14 meeting, council was faced with the choice of green-lighting the developer's request for a variance permit or turning it down and continuing to withhold the occupancy of three rental units until the fixes were made.
According to a staff report, five underground parking spots are "significantly obstructed" by the accessibility ramp and its support walls; another parking stall is blocked by an underground exhaust fan. As a result, only sub-compact cars or motorcycles can fit.
A total of 35 more parking spaces have minor intrusions with plumbing pipes and concrete, the report reads.
The deficiencies were brought to light in September after the architect came forward with the unauthorized changes. City planners, building and plumbing staff met with the architect and representatives from Tridecca Developments Ltd. to review the matter and, afterwards, do not occupy orders were issued on three units until the outstanding issues were resolved.
In October, the city's smart growth committee — chaired by Coun. Brad West — reviewed the variance permit request and heard from the applicant.
At the council meeting, West made the motion for the $30,000 cash penalty.
"I think it's an important step to take when a developer hasn't followed the rules," he said, adding, "This is a way to try to address that issue by not allowing the developer to skate free."
Coun. Mike Forrest concurred. "[The] $30,000 gets us something. I really don't believe it's reasonable for them to get away with what they have done. We are stuck with what we have. I don't see any other option for us."
Coun. Laura Dupont said while the deficiencies have been "discouraging," the city can't allow three rental units to sit empty while there's a housing crunch in Metro Vancouver.
Still, councillors Darrell Penner and Dean Washington opposed the variance application.
Penner wanted a resolve from the developer — not the company's money for the city parking reserve. "I have been on this council for 17 years and I haven't had an issue like this," Penner said. "It is just poorly done…. This is an anomaly. I'm not willing to reward bad behaviour."
As a result of council's vote, the variances will be placed on title.
Meanwhile, at a city council meeting this week, notices were placed on title for two Port Coquitlam properties for illegal renovations.
A section 57 went on title for the commercial property at 1765 Coast Meridian Rd., where the owner, Lloyd Investments Ltd., failed to obtain the required city permits and inspections. Another section 57 was put on title for a home at 3139 Frey Pl. for unauthorized alterations.
jcleugh@tricitynews.com
