Coquitlam is taking its first steps to comply with new provincial regulations for housing near SkyTrain stations.
COQUITLAM, B.C., July 9, 2024 – Coquitlam is taking its first steps to comply with new provincial regulations for housing near SkyTrain stations.
The City has now passed bylaws to designate areas within 800 metres of SkyTrain stations as Transit-Oriented Areas, and to remove residential parking requirements within these areas from the City’s Zoning Bylaw. These changes are driven by Bill 47, part of the provincial government’s housing legislation changes introduced in late 2023.
What is a Transit-Oriented Development Area?
A Transit-Oriented Development Area, as regulated by the provincial government, is a designated zone within 800 metres of SkyTrain stations where specific rules apply. The provincial regulations are intended to encourage high-density, mixed-used development within walking distance from transit services, to increase housing supply and reduce the reliance on cars.
Maps showing the provincially designated areas in Coquitlam are available at coquitlam.ca/TransitOrientedAreas
Understanding Bill 47 and Its Impact on Coquitlam
Bill 47 requires that all cities in B.C. allow minimum-specified densities and building heights within transit-oriented development areas. This means Coquitlam must adjust its zoning regulations to accommodate taller and higher-density buildings in designated areas to maximize the use of available space for housing and related services.
The recent updates have significant financial implications for the City’s established development revenue sources, particularly affecting the Density Bonus Program. This program allowed developers to construct taller or denser buildings in exchange for providing community amenities and infrastructure, reflecting Coquitlam’s belief that growth should pay for growth. However, new provincial rules have put the future of this funding in doubt. As a result, there may be potential impacts on property taxes to fund the amenities and infrastructure our community needs.
Another significant change under Bill 47 is the elimination of residential parking space requirements in transit-oriented development areas, except for spaces designated for people with disabilities. Previously, the City could require developers and homebuilders to provide off-street residential parking. This is no longer the case. This provincial mandate is intended to encourage the use of public transit and reduce car dependency among residents in these areas.
For more information on the changes to Transit-Oriented Areas in Coquitlam and how they might affect your property, visit www.coquitlam.ca/TOA.
A History of Transit-Oriented Development in Coquitlam
Coquitlam has long been a leader in transit-oriented development. In 2012, in anticipation of the Millennium (Evergreen) SkyTrain extension, the City implemented a strategy to ensure new development around SkyTrain stations supported density, pedestrian-friendly streets and a mix of land uses. This approach focused on matching land use and development with high-quality public spaces in transit station areas, to provide greater housing and transportation choices for residents and the local workforce.
Through this strategy, Coquitlam's Density Bonus Program has played a key role by enabling developers to build taller or denser buildings in exchange for contributions to required infrastructure and community amenities. Over the past decade, this program has funded public recreation facilities, parks, affordable housing and other community benefits.
More recently, the City adopted the Burquitlam-Lougheed Neighbourhood Plan (2017) and City Centre Area Plan (2020) following extensive public engagement to guide locally appropriate development, servicing, transportation and amenity upgrades in those areas.
However, the new provincial legislative changes require significant updates to Coquitlam’s land use plans, zoning regulations and development finance system. While the City will adapt the new provincial funding mechanisms, these new programs are not expected to match the success of Coquitlam’s current Density Bonus Program. As a result, there may be challenges in maintaining the same level of infrastructure upgrades and community amenities delivered in the past. Further updates, including changes to the Density Bonus program and a new Amenity Cost Charge program, are targeted for mid-2025.
Implementation Stages for Transit-Oriented Areas
Coquitlam is implementing the provincial mandates related to Transit-Oriented Development Areas in three stages:
- Stage 1 – Designation of Transit-Oriented Areas (current stage)
This first stage involves officially designating areas within 800 metres of SkyTrain stations as Transit-Oriented Areas and updating related City bylaws to remove parking requirements within these areas, except for spaces designated for people with disabilities. - Stage 2 – Alignment with Existing Planning Framework (Spring 2025)
In the second stage, the City will align Transit-Oriented Area regulations with areas already planned for growth, such as the City Centre and Burquitlam-Lougheed areas. This phase will also update land use plans for adjacent areas in Southwest Coquitlam to ensure cohesive development. - Stage 3 – Comprehensive Review (To Be Determined)
The final stage involves a thorough review of land use policies and servicing needs for unplanned Transit-Oriented Areas and their surrounding areas. The City will also explore transportation demand-management measures to ensure adequate visitor parking and effective curb space management.
Media contact:
Andrew Merrill
General Manager Planning and Development
DevInfo@coquitlam.ca
604-927-3430
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.