Coquitlam is on the brink of a housing transformation. Sweeping changes from the Province of British Columbia are reshaping how cities across B.C.—including Coquitlam—must plan, regulate, and support residential development. As part of the Homes for People Action Plan, the province aims to make housing more accessible and diverse, addressing long-standing affordability challenges. For Coquitlam homeowners, prospective buyers, and developers, these changes mark a pivotal shift in what can be built—and where.

Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Coming to Suburban Streets

Gone are the days when single-detached homes and high-rise towers were the only housing options. Under the new provincial rules, Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH)—including triplexes, fourplexes, garden suites, and more—is becoming mandatory on most residential lots.

Coquitlam must now:

• Allow at least 3 units on lots smaller than 280 m².

• Allow at least 4 units on lots between 280 m² and 1 acre (4,050 m²).

• Enable stratification (i.e., units can be sold separately) for multiplexes, though not yet for secondary suites or carriage homes.

Although residents won’t be forced to redevelop their properties, those who do will have far more flexibility than before. Infrastructure upgrades will be needed to accommodate this growth, but the costs and impacts are still being assessed.

The City has until June 30, 2025, to finalize zoning bylaw updates through its SSMUH Implementation project.

Transit-Oriented Areas: SkyTrain Neighbourhoods Set for Vertical Growth

If you live within 800 metres of a SkyTrain station in Coquitlam, your neighbourhood may be part of a Transit-Oriented Area (TOA)—another major pillar of the provincial plan.

The eight stations affected include:
Braid, Burquitlam, Lougheed Town Centre, Coquitlam Central, Lincoln, Lafarge Lake–Douglas, Inlet Centre, and Moody Centre.

Within these zones, the Province now mandates:

• High-density development, with tiered minimum building heights (8–20 storeys) and densities based on distance from the station.

• Elimination of off-street parking minimums (except for accessible stalls), aiming to encourage walkability and reduce car dependency.

Cities cannot deny development applications based on height or density if they meet these thresholds. However, other planning considerations still apply.

Coquitlam is updating its Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw in stages, with TOA rezonings expected by spring 2025.

*Photo by City of Coquitlam

Changing How Cities Approve Development

In a bid to streamline approvals, the Province has:

• Eliminated public hearings for residential developments that align with the OCP.

• Maintained public notification requirements, ensuring neighbours are still informed.

This means faster decisions, less red tape—and potentially quicker delivery of new homes.

Shifting the Financial Framework: New Fees, Fewer Negotiations

Previously, Coquitlam negotiated Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) and Density Bonuses with developers to help fund infrastructure like community centres and affordable housing. These tools are now restricted.

In their place, the Province has introduced the Amenity Cost Charge (ACC)—a standardized fee intended to support civic infrastructure. However, City staff warn it may not replace the over $365 million in amenity value currently at risk due to the legislative shift.

This financial gap could jeopardize key community projects, including:

• The Northeast Community Centre

• Affordable housing reserves

• Child care spaces

Implementation Timeline: What to Expect and When

The scale of these legislative changes is enormous. As a result, the City has had to reassign staff and delay other projects, such as Burke Mountain Village planning. Here’s a look at the current schedule:

• SSMUH zoning updates due by June 30, 2025

• TOA zoning updates expected by spring 2025

• OCP updates for TOAs targeted by mid-2025

• Citywide housing needs planning extended to a 20-year horizon and updated every five years

Navigating the Changes as a Resident

If you’re concerned about how these changes affect your property—or feel pressured by developers—know that:

• You are under no obligation to sell or redevelop your home.

• Harassment by agents or developers should be reported to their brokerage or real estate council.

• City staff are available to answer questions and offer guidance.

A New Era for Coquitlam Housing

These legislative changes represent a bold step toward solving B.C.'s housing crisis. For Coquitlam, it means embracing a future with more diverse housing options, higher densities near transit, and streamlined development pathways. But it also brings challenges in funding, planning, and balancing growth with livability.

Curious how this could shape the future of your neighbourhood? We’re keeping a close eye on developments like these to help our clients make confident, informed decisions. Want to be one of them?

The City of Coquitlam is laying the groundwork for an entirely new neighbourhood on Burke Mountain. Dubbed the Hazel-Coy Neighbourhood, this planned community is the first to emerge from the long-range Northwest Burke Vision and promises a mix of homes, trails, a community hub, and new infrastructure — all set against a dramatic natural landscape at the foot of Pinecone Burke Provincial Park.

A Vision Rooted in the Northwest Burke Plan

Hazel-Coy is the first of four neighbourhoods outlined in the Northwest Burke Vision (NBV) — a 2017 land use strategy that will guide development across 400 hectares over the next 30 years. Stretching approximately 70 hectares in size, Hazel-Coy is strategically located on the north slope of Burke Mountain. It’s bordered by Hyde Creek, the Coquitlam River escarpment, and the Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, offering both natural beauty and development opportunity.

Of the total area, around 40 hectares are considered developable. The NBV envisions Hazel-Coy as a low-rise, family-oriented neighbourhood with up to 950 homes, mostly in the form of single-family houses and townhomes. A small community hub, school, and access to parks and trails round out the blueprint for what is intended to be a complete and connected community.

Planning in Phases: From Vision to Draft Policies

The neighbourhood planning process kicked off in early 2021, shortly after City Council approved its scope. Since then, the City has been working through a structured, phased engagement and planning program:

• Phase 1 (Winter/Spring 2021): Background research and early engagement with landowners and stakeholders.

• Phase 2 (Summer/Fall 2021): Broader public engagement to validate early findings and collect input on land use and amenities.

• Phase 3 (2021–2023): Currently active, this phase focuses on drafting the neighbourhood plan and key policies.

• Phase 4 (Upcoming): Finalization of the neighbourhood plan and its implementation framework.

Throughout, the City has prioritized meaningful public engagement. Residents, property owners, and community groups have had opportunities to weigh in via online surveys, virtual charrettes, and community meetings. Summaries of feedback from Phases 1 and 2 were shared publicly in late 2021.

What’s in the Plan?

The upcoming Hazel-Coy Neighbourhood Plan will define what can be built and where, as well as outline the infrastructure investments needed to support future residents. Some of the proposed features include:

• An extension of Oxford Street to improve connectivity

• An upgraded Hyde Creek crossing

• A new water reservoir to serve higher elevations

• Strategies for working with steep terrain to maximize views and minimize large retaining walls

• Policies around land use, transportation, parks, utilities, wildfire mitigation, and environmental stewardship

In short, this plan goes beyond just zoning. It’s about designing a community that’s livable, connected to nature, and thoughtfully integrated into the broader Burke Mountain vision.

Building a Community with Nature at Its Doorstep

One of the distinguishing features of Hazel-Coy is its proximity to Pinecone Burke Provincial Park and its integration with existing natural systems like Hyde Creek. This location calls for careful planning to protect ecological assets while also creating trails, open spaces, and recreation opportunities for future residents.

By planning from the ground up with these principles in mind, Coquitlam is aiming to create not just another subdivision, but a true neighbourhood that blends urban living with outdoor access.

Curious how Hazel-Coy will change the face of Burke Mountain living? We’re watching this project closely to keep clients informed and ahead of the curve. Want to stay updated on future developments like this? We’d love to be your local guide.

A complete transformation of Coquitlam’s beloved outdoor pool promises a more inclusive, sustainable, and accessible experience for residents of all ages.

After more than five decades of service, the outdoor pool in Mundy Park has undergone a sweeping renovation. Reopening to the public on June 1, 2025, the reimagined Mundy Park Pool offers a blend of upgraded amenities, innovative sustainability features, and a strong focus on accessibility. The project responds to growing community needs and aligns with the City of Coquitlam’s broader vision for parks and recreation.

A Long-Awaited Upgrade in the Heart of Mundy Park

Originally built over 50 years ago, the aging pool was no longer up to modern standards — in either accessibility or environmental efficiency. Recognizing the opportunity for improvement, the City launched the Spani Pool Renewal Study in 2020 to identify key upgrades and their associated costs. Public feedback played a central role, with surveys, stakeholder consultations, and online engagement shaping the final plan.

By spring 2023, construction on the revitalized facility began. Now renamed Mundy Park Pool to reflect its forested surroundings in Coquitlam’s largest urban park, the refreshed facility aims to be more intuitive to locate, and more inclusive for users citywide.

What’s New: Modern Features with Community in Mind

The new Mundy Park Pool is not just a facelift — it’s a full transformation that enhances leisure, sport, and community functionality.

Leisure and Swimming Amenities:

• A new leisure pool features a beach-style entry, splash area, lazy river, and 1.2-metre deep end — ideal for families and casual swimmers.

• The original 25-metre pool tank, a staple for lap swimmers, has been preserved and improved with a new accessibility ramp and retained dive tank.

• A separate warming pool sits nestled near the park edge, offering a tranquil forest-adjacent soaking experience.

Supportive Facilities:

• Deck space has been expanded for both spectator seating and lounging.

• A grassy lawn area offers more space for sunbathers and casual gatherings.

• A concession and a multipurpose room now support on-site food options and year-round programming like certifications, workshops, and events.

Accessibility & Inclusivity Enhancements:

• New universal change rooms include both gendered and non-gendered facilities, along with accessible washrooms and showers.

• The admissions area and washrooms are designed to be accessible all year long.

• Drop-off and pick-up zones have been redesigned for easier access.

Sustainable by Design: Lower Emissions, Lower Costs

With growing awareness around climate impact, sustainability was front and center in the pool’s renewal. Coquitlam’s investment — partly funded through the City’s Carbon Offset Reserve — included several green building features:

• Air Source Heat Pumps: Used for both water heating and building climate control.

• High-Efficiency Boiler: A backup system that ensures performance with reduced energy use.

• Pool Covers: Help reduce water evaporation and heat loss.

These upgrades are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and trim annual energy costs — a win-win for the City and its residents.

Programming Potential and Anticipated Community Impact

The renewal isn’t just about a better facility — it’s about enabling more community engagement. The City estimates the pool will support:

• 16,000 seasonal drop-in visits

• 2,250 swimming lesson participants

• 360 scheduled classes and certifications

From recreational use to professional training, the new space is poised to become a versatile community hub for all ages and abilities.

Funding and Government Support

The ambitious redevelopment was made possible through combined investment from multiple levels of government via the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Funding included:

• $2.42 million from the Government of Canada

• $2.01 million from the Province of British Columbia

These contributions underscore the broader public value and long-term impact of inclusive recreational spaces.

Early Access Begins in May

Though the official opening date is June 1, Coquitlam residents will get a sneak peek throughout May via pre-registered Early Access swims. Registration opened April 29, and dates can be found by searching “MPP Early Access Swim” on the City’s website.

This preview period gives the community a chance to test out the new amenities — and for many, to rediscover an old favorite in a brand-new light.

Curious how this major investment might shape the future of Coquitlam’s parks and neighborhoods? We’re following projects like Mundy Park Pool Renewal closely to help clients make informed decisions about where they live, invest, and grow. Want to stay in the loop?