Coquitlam’s mayor urges the provincial government to invest in infrastructure to match the city’s housing growth.
Coquitlam has been widely recognized as a housing leader in Metro Vancouver. As one of the fastest-growing cities, it has taken proactive measures to address housing supply and demand.
The city’s award-winning Housing Affordability Strategy set the stage for initiatives like the Rental Incentives Program and Affordable Housing Reserve Fund, which have facilitated tens of thousands of new homes.
Between 2020 and 2024, Coquitlam supported nearly 9,000 new homes, surpassing provincial housing targets by 38%. The city has also approved around 26,000 new units, including many purpose-built rentals.
Despite these achievements, Coquitlam questions the necessity of the Province’s Housing Target Order, pointing out that approvals aren’t the challenge, but rather the ability to build and support housing.
Factors such as interest rates, construction costs, and labor shortages are impacting housing starts, which are down 20% across British Columbia, despite existing approvals.
Mayor Richard Stewart emphasizes the need for partnership, urging provincial investment in essential infrastructure like schools, hospitals, childcare, and transit to accommodate growth.
Coquitlam estimates the need for over $3 billion in infrastructure investments, including $1.1 billion for schools and $1.2 billion for transit projects, to support the city’s expansion and livability.
Provincial changes to development finance rules are seen as detrimental, potentially hindering the development of community amenities essential for neighborhood livability.
Coquitlam supports the Province’s intent to address the housing crisis, but calls for sustained investment in areas like infrastructure that are crucial to housing growth.
Mayor Stewart asserts that while Coquitlam has fulfilled its role, the Province must now step up to support the necessary infrastructure and services.