Changes to the Windsor Gate development will go ahead after Coquitlam council authorized proposed amendments at Monday's meeting.
Two buildings on the western edge of the site, along Pipeline Road, will go from eight storeys to 25 while three buildings that were approved at four storeys each will go to five.
The development will also include a neighbourhood park and a $55,000 contribution to the Nakoma Club for security. Another $500,000 will help fund the Evergreen Line's Lincoln Station while $250,000 will help improve nearby Glen Park.
Residents living near the site at Lincoln Avenue and Pipeline spoke against the proposed changes at a public hearing in May; the developer later downsized suggestions for a 37-storey tower to the changes approved this week.
Other Coquitlam news:
BURKE BUILDING
Plans for a new commercial development on Burke Mountain are moving ahead after council approved a development variance permit.
Most of the site on the northeast corner of Coast Meridian Road and David Avenue is off limits due to a BC Hydro transmission line right-of-way but the remaining 30% will allow a commercial building of about 2,000 sq. m (21,530 sq. ft.) with three retail units.
The variances are mainly to reduce minimum setbacks to allow development of the difficult site.
Councillors Brent Asmundson and Craig Hodge, both of whom live on Burke Mountain, supported the proposal's addition to the neighbourhood, which is expected to add to the area's walkability.
FACILITY DEALS
Coquitlam will enter into building operating agreements with six cultural groups occupying city facilities.
The facilities - Coquitlam Public Library, Place des Arts, Mackin House, Evergreen Cultural Centre, Place Maillardville and Fraser Mills Station Museum - are on civic land but are operated by independent boards and societies.
A staff report notes the historical investment to date (not including land values) is about $35 million; the estimated market value including land and improvements is valued at about $64 million.
The agreements will provide clarity and consistency in responsibilities for interior and exterior maintenance, custodial and waste management, utility charges, security, signage and improvements. They will also allow the city to track subleases and tenant improvements
POOL TIME
Coquitlam is easing up on its restrictions for in-ground pools.
The city has had a pool ban in place since 2005, when new zoning categories were created for single-family lots in northeast Coquitlam, where lot sizes were considered too small for in-ground pools.
A staff report presented at Monday's council meeting noted development in that area of the city has since produced a variety of lot sizes and shapes, and staff have received several requests for pools in those areas.
The report suggests regulations contained in the zoning and building bylaws, as well as the BC Building Code, provide enough safety checks to ensure in-ground swimming pools are built safely.
Council members noted the main problem with pools on small lots can be the noise of the fans and pumps, which can disturb neighbours. Staff agreed to come back with more information on new pool technology, including saltwater pools that are said to be much quieter.
Council approved first reading of the zoning bylaw amendment and referred it to a public hearing.
