A massive affordable housing project with a daycare is in the works for a prominent corner in Port Coquitlam and the public will soon get a say on its future.
With COVID-19 restrictions ruling out large open houses, the developer of a proposed 302-unit non-market housing complex on lots at 2455-2475 Gately Avenue, 2428-2492 Kingsway Avenue and 2420 and 2450 Ticehurst Lane is planning a website with ways people can comment online, by phone and mail.
The altered public input will last three weeks beginning in August, with notification to come in local media, including the Tri-City News.
At a July 28 meeting, PoCo council gave thumbs up to the input plan.
The project, by Peak Towers Development Ltd., is close to the Coquitlam River and within walking distance of schools, downtown PoCo and transit and would offer opportunities to enhance pedestrian connections in the area and the green belt along along the Coquitlam River, a city report suggests.
The non-profit Affordable Housing Societies, which operates the nearby River Woods development, would run the Peak Towers housing complex and plans are to build three 6-storey buildings with 302 apartment units and a daycare facility over a common one-level parkade.
The project will consist of five studio, 124 one-bedroom, 124 two-bedroom and 49 three-bedroom apartment units ranging in size from 409 square feet to 861 square feet.
The land assembly is made up of approximately 2.4 acres and would require the developer to purchase a portion of a city-owned parcel at 2428 Kingsway Ave. and the lanes within the 2400 block of Gately and Kingsway Avenue.
With a contactless public comment period, Port Coquitlam hopes to nip any problems in the bud.
“Proceeding with public consultation is recommended to ensure any issues associated with the proposal may be brought to the attention of the applicant and the city as early as possible,” the report notes, while a public hearing would be held later.
With housing costs on the rise, cities across the Lower Mainland are looking at ways to increase affordable housing.
Port Coquitlam recently approved a development permit for the construction of an affordable housing development to be operated by Atira Women’s Resource Society with childcare and health clinic facilities.
The Alex rental complex will be built on four lots owned by Metro Vancouver at the northwest corner of Prairie Avenue and Flint Street, across from Kwayhquitlum middle school, and will provide 72 apartment and 11 town house units, plus a daycare with room for 45 children.
Projected monthly rents at the Alex will range between $375 and $1,550.
Another Port Coquitlam affordable housing project slated for Welcher Street promises deep cuts on rent.
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