The B.C. government recently passed housing legislation that brings major changes to how Coquitlam plans for and supports growth. This includes new rules for development around transit hubs – called Transit-Oriented Areas. To address these new rules, we will be updating the land uses and policies in our Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw through the Transit-Oriented Areas Update project.

Transit-oriented development concentrates housing, jobs, shops, services and amenities near high-quality, frequent transit service like the SkyTrain. The City previously adopted plans to allow transit-oriented development in Burquitlam-Lougheed and City Centre. The Transit-Oriented Areas project first focuses on updating these “Planned Transit-Oriented Areas” to align with the legislation. The remaining “Unplanned Transit-Oriented Areas” will be addressed once this work is complete.

What is a Transit-Oriented Area?

A Transit-Oriented Area, as defined by the provincial government, is an area within 800 metres of SkyTrain stations where specific rules apply. These regulations promote high-density, mixed-use development near transit to increase housing and reduce reliance on car.

For residential or mixed-use lands within 800 metres of a rapid transit station, the City is required to:

• Designate these lands as Transit-Oriented Areas
• Eliminate minimum off-street parking requirements
• Follow the minimum densities and heights set by the Province

Read our Project Backgrounder for more information on the new provincial rules and the Transit-Oriented Areas Update project.

Planning for the Future of Growth

The City of Coquitlam is updating land use plans in Southwest Coquitlam to guide growth in areas just outside provincially designated Transit-Oriented Areas (TOAs) and along key corridors such as Austin and Como Lake Avenues. This work supports the second phase of the Transit-Oriented Areas Update and builds on provincial housing legislation introduced in 2023.

We’re looking at how to:

• Create smoother transitions in building heights and densities near SkyTrain stations
• Maintain housing choice, including townhouses
• Expand access to parks, shops and services
• Plan for future transportation improvements

About the Southwest Shoulders and Corridors

Southwest Shoulders are located at the edges of the Burquitlam and Lougheed SkyTrain Station Transit-Oriented Areas. Provincial regulations for Transit-Oriented Areas led to irregular boundaries and a reduction in areas previously planned for townhousing. Planning for the Shoulder areas is intended to help restore housing choice and create more gradual transitions between higher-density Transit-Oriented Areas and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Corridors include Austin and Como Lake Avenues. These areas were previously studied in the Southwest Housing Review and are now being integrated into a broader planning framework focused on complete communities and sustainable transportation.

To see the proposed land use changes, see the Project Background and Proposed Land Use Change.