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Social Planning - Housing Affordability

Housing Affordability and Homelessness

Coquitlam has taken an active role in addressing the need for more affordable housing since the adoption of an Affordable Housing Strategy in 2007. The Strategy, accompanying appendices and progress reports are available here:

One of the principles underlying the Strategy is the need for collaborations and partnerships with other levels of government and the community in order to address housing and service needs. Coquitlam works closely on an ongoing basis with the Tri-Cities Homelessness Task Group, BC Housing, Metro Vancouver and local service providers on these issues.

Current Housing Projects

Como Lake Gardens

In 2006, Council agreed to make available City-owned land at 528 Como Lake Avenue for a supportive housing project for single mothers and their children who are at-risk of homelessness. The YWCA is currently developing the 30-unit Como Lake Gardens on this site. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2012 and rental applications are currently being accepted. For more information and for rental applications, please visit Como Lake Gardens Housing Development.

3030 Gordon Avenue

In 2009, Council agreed to make available City-owned land at 3030 Gordon Avenue for an emergency shelter and transitional housing development to serve the Tri-Cities area and in 2010, rezoned the property to allow this use. 30 emergency shelter beds and 30 transitional (short-stay) housing units with associated support services are proposed for the site.

On August 17, 2011, BC Housing released the Request for Proposals to Non-Profit Societies to Design, Develop and Manage an Emergency Shelter and Supportive Transitional Housing for the project at 3030 Gordon Avenue. Details on the project and RFP process can be downloaded here:

The Tri-Cities Cold Wet Weather Mat Program has been providing an interim shelter solution for the Tri-Cities since 2007. The program runs between November 1 – March 31 of each year and is operated by the Hope for Freedom Society with the generous contribution of local church space. For more information visit Tri-Cities Homelessness Task Group. To contact an outreach worker (year-round), please call 604-830-1528.

City Affordable Housing Policies

Mobile Home Park Redevelopment Tenant Assistance Policy

In 2006, Council adopted a policy to assist residents who are displaced by the redevelopment of their mobile home park.

Affordable Housing Reserve Fund

In January 2009, Council approved establishing an Affordable Housing Reserve Fund. This Fund allows the City to plan for contributions to affordable housing projects. The current balance of the fund is approximately $500,000.