Coquitlam council is considering a proposal that would require property owners redeveloping their single-family homes to upgrade their sidewalks and curbs to bring them in line with current standards.
According to a city press release, the proposal would help improve frontages, particularly in older neighbourhoods, which were built before streetscape requirements were in place.
Currently, curb and sidewalk upgrades are only required for the redevelopment of duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes; one-for-one single-family home replacements have not been subject to the rules.
If the changes are approved, someone redeveloping their property could either do the streetscape work themselves or make a payment to the city, which would then conduct the upgrades.
“The proposed changes would not only increase fairness but also ensure all construction activity in southwest Coquitlam contributes to the upgrading of the area’s streets to a consistent standard,” the city said in a press release.
For more details on the proposal, go to www.coquitlam.ca/streetscape. To provide feedback, email [email protected] by Sept. 29. Staff said that all responses will be considered before council makes its decision on the initiative this fall.
Other stakeholders that will be consulted on the proposal include the Urban Development Institute, the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association as well as local builders and developers.
MOUNTAIN VIEW RENEWAL
Park amenity and field upgrade work is underway at Coquitlam’s Mountain View Park.
Redevelopment of the 4.3-acre Burquitlam greenspace will see a new natural grass field capable of accommodating football, soccer and baseball as well as upgraded picnic facilities, outdoor exercise equipment and new playground elements.
A 45-year-old washroom facility is also expected to be replaced in order to improve accessibility.
According to a staff report, the project will cost $2 million, paid for in part with a $500,000 grant from Western Economic Diversification Canada’s Canada 150 infrastructure program. The remaining $1.51 million will come from bonus density funding, a developer contribution for park amenities and money from the city’s building replacement reserve fund.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. For more information, go to www.coquitlam.ca/parkprojects. For construction-related questions, contact Paul Costa at [email protected] or at 604-927-6082.
