Industrial buildings could be going up in the rapidly changing Dominion Triangle before the end of the year in what would be the first development of its kind for the 270-acre Port Coquitlam property.
Developer Con-West Contracting is currently marketing the land and will begin construction once tenants and purchasers are identified and specify their building needs.
Con-West's Tony Marinelli did not confirm what businesses would be moving into the area but said the location of the property has drawn interest from several companies.
"The proximity to Vancouver is important," he said. "Being on the west side of the Pitt River and the Port Mann [Bridge] is very important for traffic flows and the costs of trucking."
Con-West, which has owned the land on the eastern-most section of the triangle since 2007, is expected to have several deals completed within the next 60 days.
After that, road construction will begin, including the extension of the Fremont Connector from Lougheed Highway to Dominion Avenue, and the lots will start to take shape, Marinelli said.
The development marks an important step for the city and its efforts in the Dominion Triangle. For years, different PoCo councils have pushed for more industrial buildings in the area with the aim of bringing higher-paying jobs to the municipality.
But interest from the development community has been tepid. Last fall, council agreed to allow half of the 42-acre property in the easternmost part of the triangle to be designated residential, providing the builders could guarantee industrial development on the rest of the land.
Construction of a condo tower is expected on the northeast area of the property, which can only be built after or in tandem with the industrial buildings proposed by Con-West.
Laura Lee Richard, the city's director of development services, said the two projects will complement each other well and make the Dominion Triangle a complete community, connecting residents with employment and shopping opportunities.
She said guidelines put forward by the city will create a fairly seamless transition between the industrial, residential and commercial properties.
Con-West is also responsible for building a 28-stall parking lot for users of the Traboulay-PoCo Trail, which will add to the separation between the industrial and residential properties.
"It is not heavy industrial," Richard said. "Light industrial is typically going to be quite compatible with residential uses. The design will ensure there is proper separation."
The Dominion Triangle is also home to a Walmart Super Centre and will also be the location of a Canadian Tire as well as several smaller retailers.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
