Residents of a quiet Coquitlam neighborhood are raising concerns over a major redevelopment project that may move forward without a public hearing. The proposed plan involves replacing single-family homes near Roy Stibbs Elementary School with three six-storey apartment buildings.
The affected area lies close to the Lougheed SkyTrain Station and falls under new provincial transit-oriented development regulations. Longtime resident Janet Krgovich says many neighbors were surprised by the scale of the project and feel left out of the planning process.
She explained that earlier plans suggested the area would shift toward townhouses, allowing for moderate growth. Instead, the latest proposal increases building height and density. Krgovich added that many locals believed a gradual transition in housing would take place as outlined in the earlier neighborhood plan. However, the zoning designation was quietly changed under the city’s Official Community Plan in 2022. This means the land is now approved for medium-density apartments, up to eight storeys high.
The redevelopment, led by Anthem Properties, includes 446 rental units across the three buildings. It is scheduled to be reviewed by city council on Monday, July 29.
In past years, such projects would receive an initial reading by council before being sent to a public hearing. There, residents could raise questions and concerns before any final decision. But that process is no longer allowed.
Under provincial rules introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, some housing developments are exempt from public hearings. These changes, made official in 2023 under Bill 44, affect areas already zoned for higher-density housing.
City councillor Teri Towner confirmed that all readings—first, second, and third—will occur on the same night, without resident feedback. Final approval will follow once permits are reviewed.
“We read it and digest it and give it all three readings in one night with no input from the residents,” Towner said.
Andrew Merrill, general manager of planning and development for the city, acknowledged public concern but explained that the city’s hands are tied. He noted that the properties were re-zoned after extensive consultation in 2022. The city designated the area for medium-density apartments, and the proposal from Anthem stays within those limits. He also mentioned that the developer has held multiple discussions with concerned residents in an effort to address their issues.
“The project fits the land use policy in our Official Community Plan. Due to Bill 44, we cannot hold a public hearing,” Merrill said.
He also clarified that Anthem is not asking for greater density through Bill 47, a newer provincial rule that could allow for higher buildings. Instead, the company is following existing zoning rules.
Despite the city’s explanations, many residents feel the plan does not meet the neighborhood’s needs.
Krgovich urged the council and developers to consider building more family-friendly housing. She emphasized the need for homes with enough space for families and easy access for seniors.
“All we’re asking for is family-sized homes, where a family with two kids can live and grow,” she said. “We also want homes with ground-level entry, so seniors don’t need to deal with elevators.”
The local community continues to call for more involvement and hopes that future projects in Coquitlam will better reflect the voices of those who live there.
