COQUITLAM, B.C., November 20, 2025 – The City of Coquitlam is taking steps to support complete communities through a balanced mix of housing types, including family friendly units, in new apartment developments.
On Monday, staff presented a report to Council that included a draft Housing Unit Mix Policy. The proposed policy promotes a better balance of homes – including larger options for families – through minimum and maximum requirements for different unit types.
Supporting the Creation of Functional, Livable Homes
As Coquitlam grows, a significant amount of new homes are being built in medium- and high-density areas, including City Centre, Burquitlam-Lougheed, and other shifting and densifying areas of the community. However, the supply of larger, more affordable homes that would be suitable for families or larger households has not kept pace.
The City’s 2022 Housing Needs Report identified a shortage of three-bedroom units and found that many families are priced out of other options, such as townhouses and duplexes.
To help address the need for a mix of housing types, including larger units suitable for families, the proposed Housing Unit Mix Policy sets minimums and maximums for unit types in new apartment developments including:
- A maximum of 60% of all units to be studio or one-bedrooms (including a maximum amount of studios);
- At least 40% of all units to be two- or three-bedrooms (including a minimum amount of three or more bedrooms; formalizing the City’s expectation that at least 10% of new apartments include three bedrooms).
The proposed policy would apply to all apartment forms – from low-rise to high-rise – and to both strata and rental housing. It would not apply to Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing units or ground-oriented townhouses, as those already typically include larger units.
Staff also presented a proposed new Bedroom Standard that would introduce a minimum bedroom size and an exterior window requirement for apartments. The Bedroom Standard would provide a clear expectation for functional, livable spaces and support the community’s long-term housing needs.
Next Steps
Staff will seek industry feedback before bringing forward a final policy and Zoning Bylaw updates for Council consideration in 2026. To learn more, visit coquitlam.ca/FamilyFriendly.
Media contact
Renée De St. Croix
Director Urban Planning and Design
604-927-3430
DevInfo@coquitlam.ca
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.