A five-storey apartment complex proposed for a corner lot near downtown Port Coquitlam will have to protect neighbouring trees during construction, the city warns.
Trees are a hot topic in B.C. right now with the ongoing anti-logging protest in Fairy Creek.
In Port Coquitlam, the city is requiring protective fencing around 20 trees including Douglas firs, Hemlock and Big Leaf Maple, during excavation for the 46-unit apartment proposed for 2634, 2638 Kingsway Ave. and 2650 Burleigh Ave.
However, 10 trees — considered to have low to medium retention value — will have to be removed to make way for the project.
But the city wants them to be replaced when construction is done and it’s recommended that an arborist be on site during excavation.
To ensure the trees on neighbouring lands to the east and south are protected, the city will require a restrictive covenant while the arborist is recommending a number of measures to protect the trees, including protective fencing.
“Respecting these guidelines will prevent changes to the soil and rooting conditions, wounding of the trees and contamination due to spills and waste,” an arborist report states.
During Tuesday’s public meeting (May 26), Port Coquitlam council recommended next steps be taken to rezone the property for the project, with some councillors acknowledging the developer for an attractive architectural layout.
“I like the ideas of the (rooftop) gardens and amenities space that will be provided,” said Coun. McCurrach.
The project also requires the developer to purchase a portion of a city-owned lane which bi-sects the property and do an acoustic study.
With the building to be erected along the busy Kingsway Avenue corridor — near a truck route and rail line — noise dampening may be required for the project.
A daycare is also sought for the project.
With 25% of the units to be family friendly, councillors said they hoped a day care would be housed in the 1,800 square foot commercial space fronting Kingsway.
The developer will also have to make sure the site, formerly an appliance and repair business, is not contaminated.
Council is expected to review a proposal to rezone the property in the coming days.
