Major changes could be in store for the Burquitlam skyline if Coquitlam city council approves a land use change that would pave the way for three new highrise towers.
Blue Sky Properties, a subsidiary of Bosa, wants to build 873 condo units, including 57 units of rental housing, at North Road and Foster Avenue. The development, which would be located 600 m from the future Burquitlam SkyTrain station, also includes a large amenity space and several commercial units facing North Road.
"This is a unique project," said Jim McIntyre, Coquitlam's general manager of planning and development. "This is a large project with a large number of units and there is also a rental housing components, which is unique."
The 873 units would be in four buildings.
A 28-storey tower would house 231 condos and three commercial units facing north Road; a second 29-storey tower would have 255 units; the largest tower would be 37-storeys with 330 units; and the rental housing would be located in a five-storey building toward the back of the property.
There would be 1,096 parking stalls to serve residents as well as a 67,759 sq. ft. common amenity space that would feature outdoor seating, courtyards, gardens, a gym, basketball courts and a social room with a kitchen.
The development would be built in three phases over six years and add to the growth already coming to the Burquitlam area.
RESIDENTS HAVE CONCERNS
But the ambitious plan is not a slam-dunk to be approved.
During a recent public consultation process, 30 out of 38 people spoke against the proposal, with many stating the development would change the look and feel of the community. Several respondents raised concerns about the traffic that would accompany the influx of new residents and the loss of light corridors that could result from the three highrises.
Four people spoke in support of the development, stating that it would give the area better visual appeal and make the neighbourhood livelier.
As well, the Tri-Cities Homelessness Task Group supports the project and the developer's efforts to relocate residents displaced by construction.
Currently, there are 112 rental units on the site and Blue Sky Properties will give six months notice before the building needs to be vacated rather than the two months required by law.
The company has also offered to waive rents for some displaced residents and said any current tenant or family member who wishes to purchase a unit in the new development will be given 12 months' worth of rent toward their down payment.
The staff report noted that current tenants at the rental property pay $700 to $1,475 per month while the rents in the new building are expected to be in the $800 to $1,500 range. The document also stated the strata regs for the 816 units up for sale would permit owners to rent out their apartments.
RENTAL APARTMENTS
Some councillors were skeptical that residents' transition from the old properties to the new development would be as smooth as the company is promising.
"We are using the words 'rental' and 'affordability' interchangeably at this point," said Coun. Bonita Zarrillo. "I'm not really buying into 'rental' means 'affordable.'"
Other council members had concerns about the size of the development.
Coun. Chris Wilson noted that while he likes the fact the company proposes building rental housing, he had issues with the planned building heights.
"I had concerns about that and the heights of the units," he said. "At the same time, I want to see more rental, so I am conflicted."
Council voted unanimously in favour of granting first reading to the official community plan amendment and the proposal will now go to a public hearing on May 25 at city hall. For upcoming council agendas, go to www.coquitlam.ca.
