One of the busiest intersections in north Port Coquitlam may soon be home to about 400 more people.
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the city’s committee of council unanimously recommended to raze five houses and two duplexes and rezone the seven properties for a four-storey, 117-unit apartment building at the corner of Shaughnessy Street and Prairie Avenue.
If approved, the proposal by Polygon Homes would see the following units built at 3188 Shaughnessy St. and 2154, 2156, 2168, 2170, 2286 and 2190 Prairie Ave. — directly south of Victory Baptist Church:
- Four (4) studios
- 30 one bedroom and den
- 74 two bedrooms and den
- Nine (9) three bedrooms
City council will consider the bid after a public hearing in the new year.
According to a report from Bruce Irvine, Port Coquitlam’s director of planning and development, the unit sizes would range from 450 to 1,012 sq. ft. and the development would include a community garden and playground.
And all 29 trees would be cut except for a Douglas Fir at the southeastern corner.
Polygon is asking council for a variance on five underground parking stalls to accommodate the building design for the significant tree.
As well, the company requesting a cash-in-lieu payment for an additional eight parking stalls that it’s short in the bylaw — similar to what’s offered exclusively for downtown developments — that would generate $320,000 for the city coffers.
Coun. Dean Washington voiced concern about the lack of sufficient parking, saying the extra vehicles would spill out onto the neighbourhood streets.
However, Mayor Brad West said he’s "thankful" that Polygon has included parking at all given the latest provincial rules around new housing builds close to public transit.
Still, Coun. Steve Darling said not everyone can take the bus or rapid transit, and parking is needed for residents.
Coun. Nancy McCurrach said the apartment block would help the city meet its housing targets of 500 units a year.
If OK’d by council in 2024, the Polygon building would generate $343,168 for the city’s Community Amenities and Special Needs Housing Reserve, Irvine wrote in his report.
