The Editor,
Re. “Up, up & away with buildings & impacts here” (Letters, The Tri-City News, Feb. 17).
I would like to correct a common misunderstanding that was voiced so passionately by Brian Robinson in his letter to the editor. High-density development, with the attendant lack of off-street parking, is not the fault of the development industry but is the natural result of land use policies implemented by our local governments.
In Coquitlam, for instance, two bylaws in particular are driving this type of development: Bylaw 4352, 2012 and Bylaw 4236, 2012.
Bylaw 4352 permits the reduction of off-street parking spaces below what would normally be required in exchange for payment of $20,000 per stall to the city.
Bylaw 4236 permits floor densities in excess of that normally permitted in specified zones in exchange for either public amenities or a cash payment to the city. The density increases are up to double what would normally be permitted.
These bylaws do not apply all across the city, but are specific to certain geographic areas and land use zones. You can get a good idea of where they may apply by looking at the Coquitlam skyline.
Not surprisingly, our government has been so encouraged by the amount of money generated by Bylaw 4236 that it is considering extending a similar policy across the city.
Mike Carver, Coquitlam
