Coquitlam councillors say they want to take a page from the planning around the controversial Austin Heights neighbourhood before they re-start the City Centre Area Plan.
At Monday's land use committee meeting, some council members acknowledged the recent consultation to redevelop the Austin corridor with highrises didn't hit home with all residents.
As a result, they want the public feedback to improve before Phase 2 of the City Centre Area Plan begins - especially with the Evergreen Line set to be built down Pinetree Way.
Among the non-traditional methods staff are suggesting are the use of more innovative tools such as social media and interactive kiosks rather than advisory groups, open houses and print advertising.
"Starting a process of this magnitude should include all the community," said Coun. Mae Reid, the land use committee chair, adding issues such as noise levels from the Evergreen Line as well as future eateries in the downtown core (north of Coquitlam Centre mall) need to be hashed out soon as bidders are now lining up to build the rapid transit line to the City Centre region.
Construction on the province's $1.4-billion Evergreen Line from Lougheed Town Centre in Burnaby and ending at Coquitlam's Town Centre Park is expected to start next summer.
Phase 2 of the City Centre Area Plan is expected to begin in the new year and last up to 16 months; it will be accompanied by servicing strategy and street design standards policies.
Last month, city council received dozens of letters from City Centre highrise residents who complained about the late-night noise generated by a local restaurant that had applied to the city and provincial government to extend its hours of operation. It was successful as councillors said the city's aim is to create a "vibrant" downtown core, close to rapid transit.
City Centre includes the general area from Barnet Highway north to David Avenue, and between the Port Moody and Port Coquitlam borders.
