What Happened

Coquitlam Council has approved the Housing Agreement and Development Permit for two major affordable housing projects, bringing 158 new rental units for seniors closer to construction. The developments are part of a partnership under the Community Housing Fund involving the Province of British Columbia, the City of Coquitlam, and the non-profit organization S.U.C.C.E.S.S. The first project at 290 Laval Square in the Maillardville neighbourhood will deliver 42 homes in a three-storey building adjacent to the Maillardville Community Centre. The second development at 443 Clayton St. in the Burquitlam-Lougheed area will provide 116 homes in a six-storey building within walking distance of the Lougheed SkyTrain station. All units are designed to be accessible or adaptable to support seniors living independently. Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, emphasized that seniors who helped shape these communities should have the option to stay in them with dignity and stability. Since 2017, the Province has delivered or has underway more than 99,000 homes, including nearly 1,000 in Coquitlam. The City of Coquitlam identified the city-owned sites and facilitated the collaborative process to secure support for these projects. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will own and operate the homes, ensuring they remain safe, affordable, and accessible for older adults. The federal government has also announced an investment of $24.6 million for transformative energy retrofits of 134 units and the construction of 18 new infill units for seniors in Coquitlam. With senior-led households increasing in Coquitlam, the demand for affordable housing continues to rise. The projects reflect a commitment to creating inclusive communities that enhance quality of life and reflect diverse needs. Jennifer Blatherwick, MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville, highlighted the investment in seniors' quality of life and community connections. Jennifer Whiteside, MLA for New Westminster-Coquitlam, noted the importance of affordable, independent living choices for seniors. The developments will help seniors age with dignity while staying connected to community services and supports. The partnership approach involved multiple levels of government and a non-profit housing provider. The City of Coquitlam played an important role in identifying sites and facilitating the projects. The homes that will soon open to seniors are more than just places to live. They represent an investment in their quality of life, helping ensure they can age in place comfortably, and strengthen the community. The seniors who helped shape our communities should have the option to stay in them. That is why we continue to build more affordable housing, making sure that seniors can remain close to family, friends and the services they count on, with the stability and dignity they deserve.