The City of Coquitlam is seeking public feedback of its draft plan for the City Centre, an update to the existing 2008 document that proposes higher densities, a range of land uses, and more pedestrian-friendly developments focused around the Evergreen Line stations. The new plan addresses the changing built fabric of Coquitlam following the completion of the Millennium Line Extension, which brought three SkyTrain stations to the core.

Coquitlam Centre, image via Morguard Corporation

The Draft City Centre Area Plan outlines five big moves to catapult Coquitlam into a new era of city-building:

Creating a Vibrant Downtown Core;

Establishing a Strong Employment Base;

Building a Family-Friendly Downtown;

Enhancing Recreation and Cultural Services;

Integrating and Connecting Downtown.

These five big moves will be applied to three distinct precincts, one for each of the SkyTrain stations. The Pinetree-Lougheed Precinct surrounds Coquitlam Town Centre Station with multiple highrises activated by ground-level retail and public plazas. Office space is targeted to occupy much of the vertical space here and at the Lincoln Station Precinct, which would form the commercial centre of Coquitlam. Retail, entertainment, and recreational spaces are also imagined for this location.

City Centre Area Plan overview, image via City of Coquitlam

At Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station, the terminus of the Millennium Line, the Four Corners Precinct proposes a civic hub capitalizing on existing community nodes, including city hall and the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Lower building densities are envisioned for this area.

Coquitlam Centre, image via Morguard Corporation

The Draft City Centre Area Plan considers the proposed redevelopment of Coquitlam Centre, which falls under the Lincoln Station Precinct. Morguard Investments plans to reshape the 1979-built shopping centre beginning with the 16-acre area in the northeast corner of the property. Early conceptual renderings show upwards of nine towers programmed with residences, offices and retail.

Coquitlam Centre, image via Morguard Corporation

An online survey is available for the public to leave their comments and suggestions about the Draft City Centre Area Plan. The survey will remain open until December 2.

SkyriseVancouver will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.