Downtownprojectwantsanotherfloor

DIANE STRANDBERG dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

Weeks after a Port Coquitlam developer promised hammers would be swinging at The Met on McAllister Avenue comes a proposal to add a floor and more housing to the downtown project.

Quarry Rock Developments has applied for rezoning to add 17 more units for a total of 80 units in the residential and commercial building at 2245 McAllister Ave.

The request comes as construction has stalled on the building that was approved in 2020

Quarry Rock is seeking higher density for the site than originally proposed, slightly less amenity space than required and fewer parking spaces

City staff is recommending the updated plan due to the need for housing and amenities. It would also require the developer to pay $1.79 million in amenity and parking contributions before approving a development permit.

While the project would provide 82 parking spots for 80 units plus nine visitor spaces and one car share space, a request is being made to pay a $40,000 per space charge in lieu of an additional 27 residential/visitor spaces that would normally be required

Last week council sent the project to the next step, which will require a public hearing in the fall.

“I’m as excited as it will be starting to move forward again,” said Coun. Paige Petriw, at a July 18 commitee of council meeting.

While the proposed ratio for onsite parking is significantly lower than the city’s typical parking standards, councillors supported the increased density because the building is close to transit.

Council’s support aligns with a report by consultants Bunt and Associates, that stated that the development’s proximity to the West Coast Express and transit justifies reduced parking

“This project’s location in the Port Coquitlam downtown core area is of key importance to the sustainable transportation opportunity it presents and the justification for a reduced parking supply ratio,” the Bunt report said.

As well, the Bunt report said Port Coquitlam’s parking requirements for multi-family developments are among the highest in the Metro Vancouver region, and contribute to an oversupply

In light of transit and measures to reduce the need for a car, the fewer parking spaces are “appropriate and conveys a strong signal that mixed use development in the Port Coquitlam downtown with reduced reliance on private vehicle trips is a direction supported by the municipality.”

The revised plan for The Met is also welcomed by the local business improvement association.

Jennifer McKinnon, executive director of the Downtown PoCo BIA, said prioritizing units by reducing visitors parking is a “forward thinking approach” that “addresses the housing needs of the community, promotes sustainable transportation, and enhances the overall quality of life for residents.”

Among the benefits, according to McKinnon, is less traffic traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions and a “healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyle”

Some of the other changes include:

• update zoning from community commercial to a site specific comprehensive development zone

• An additional floor for a total of 80 units up from 63, in one, two and three bedroom format

• Sixth floor amenity space would include two lounge areas, a covered area with tables and chairs to seat 40 and a children’s play area, planted with Japanese maples, shrubs and roof-top vegetable gardens.

• one electric vehicle car share for residents to use with the Mondofi app

• 122 bike parking spots for residents, 18 short-term

Quarry Rock’s The Met is a cornerstone of the city’s downtown revitalization plan and is located mid-block on McAllister Avenue, which was recently upgraded to encourage walking. Plans for The Met include a plaza and an extension to the Donald Pathway.

The city will own four commercial rental units in The Met, totalling just over 15,000 sq. ft., however there are no changes planned for the commercial units