News Flash

The City of Coquitlam has adopted amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw.

COQUITLAM, B.C., June 25, 2026 – The City of Coquitlam has adopted amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw to support the delivery of purpose-built rental housing, improve access to shops and services, and align with new provincial housing legislation.

The adopted changes update the City's approach to density bonus and rental housing incentives in high-density areas. The amendments are intended to maintain incentives that encourage the delivery of market rental, below-market and non-market housing while meeting provincial requirements by the Provincial deadline of June 30, 2026.

The amendments do not affect existing buildings. The new provisions would only apply if eligible properties choose to redevelop in the future.

Why are the Changes Needed?

Coquitlam has long been a regional leader in housing delivery. However, Provincial legislation introduced in 2023 and 2024 requires Coquitlam to update its density bonus system by June 30, 2026. In response, Coquitlam has restructured its existing framework while preserving many of the tools that have helped deliver new housing options across the city.

What's Changing?

The City is has replaced existing high-density zones with four new zones:

• RA-3 High-Density Residential
• MU-2 High-Density Mixed-Use
• MU-3 Transit-Oriented Mixed-Use
• MU-4 Urban Centre Mixed-Use

These new zones are designed to align with provincial requirements and continue to support complete communities near frequent transit by encouraging a mix of housing options in high-density neighbourhoods.

Building on a Successful Approach

Coquitlam's rental housing incentive program has delivered significant results over the past several years.

Since 2018, Council has approved nearly 10,000 market rental units and more than 3,000 below-market or non-market housing units through the City's rental incentive framework. More than 4,400 of these homes have already been completed or are currently under construction.

Rental Incentives Continue

Under the new framework, developers may continue to access bonus density – an additional 1.5 floor area ratio (FAR) – in exchange for providing secured rental housing.

Rental housing created through this bonus density remains exempt from Amenity Cost Charges, maintaining an important incentive for the delivery of purpose-built rental housing.

Supporting Affordable Housing

The updated approach also encourages the delivery of  affordable housing in new developments.

Developers seeking additional rental density are required to dedicate a portion of that bonus floor space to affordable housing. Under the revised framework, developers may either construct these affordable units or provide a cash contribution to the City's Affordable Housing Reserve Fund, which supports the creation of new non-market housing throughout Coquitlam.

What Comes Next

City staff will continue to monitor the uptake and effectiveness of the new zones and density bonus provisions.

Staff will also develop policy to prioritize the delivery of turn-key affordable housing units over financial contributions to the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund. Engagement with development stakeholders, followed by recommendations to Council, are expected in early 2027.

Media contact:

Renée de St. CroixDirector, Urban Planning and Design604-927-3430 DevInfo@coquitlam.ca

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

This summer, Coquitlam invites residents and visitors to experience Art in the City – a season-long celebration of creativity that transforms parks, plazas and public spaces into places to discover, create and connect.

COQUITLAM, B.C., June 25, 2026 – This summer, Coquitlam invites residents and visitors to experience Art in the City – a season-long celebration of creativity that transforms parks, plazas and public spaces into places to discover, create and connect.

Discover Art Around Every CornerFrom live music performances and community painting sessions to self-guided art tours and exhibitions featuring local artists, Coquitlam's Cultural Services programming offers opportunities for people of all ages to experience the arts throughout the city all summer long.

• Visual Arts Exhibitions: Art lovers can explore ongoing solo exhibitions in civic spaces. These rotating exhibitions offer opportunities to enjoy artwork from talented local artists. Don’t miss out on an upcoming Art Talk with Gordon Thomson at City Hall on July 7 from 6-7 p.m.
• Piano in the Park: Join Place des Arts and the City of Coquitlam as we celebrate the unveiling of a newly painted piano by Coquitlam artist Matin Komeili. Enjoy a free outdoor concert at Brunette Interim Park on Wednesday, July 8, at 6 p.m. featuring performances by Place des Arts music students.
• Paint in the Park: Unleash your creativity at guided outdoor painting sessions held at one of Coquitlam's most scenic settings in Como Lake Park. Participants of all skill levels are invited to create artwork inspired by nature.
• Music in the Streets: Live performances bring energy and atmosphere to neighbourhood gathering spaces as local musicians take to streets, plazas and public areas across Coquitlam in the City Centre, Austin Heights and Burquitlam neighborhoods.
• Self-Guided Public Art Tours: Explore Coquitlam through a new lens with Self-Guided Public Art Tours in City Centre and Maillardville. Featuring murals and sculptures, the tours provide insight into the stories, history and creativity behind each piece.
• Streetscape Enhancement Program: Keep your eye out for new Streetscape Enhancement projects unfolding across the City, including a new mural on the David Avenue Pump Station, painted by Sarah Johnston and a new artistic installation at the Coquitlam Legion, celebrating their centenary. 

Building Community Through CreativityCoquitlam's Cultural Services programs enrich public life by making arts experiences accessible and inviting. By bringing creativity into everyday spaces, these initiatives encourage participation, foster a sense of belonging and support local artists while contributing to the city's cultural vitality.

For program dates, locations and additional details, visit coquitlam.ca/ArtsPrograms.

More Ways to Connect with Us Visit coquitlam.ca/connect for more ways you can keep up with City matters:

• Follow @cityofcoquitlam on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
• Download the free CoquitlamConnect app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Subscribe to our other e-newsletters, such as our Parks, Recreation and Culture E-news, which provides the latest recreation-specific news.
• Watch Council meetings in person or online.

Media contact:Hilary LetwinCulture Services Manager604-927-6288 hletwin@coquitlam.ca  

 We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

Road and utility construction in the summer often leads to frustrating traffic impacts, so the City works to reduce these impacts wherever possible while critical infrastructure is upgraded and maintained.

COQUITLAM, B.C., June 24, 2026 – Road and utility construction in the summer often leads to frustrating traffic impacts, so the City works to reduce these impacts wherever possible while critical infrastructure is upgraded and maintained.  

Residents can stay informed about upcoming road work by signing up for traffic alerts via email, text message and by following the City on social media.   

Why It Happens in the Summer

Like most municipalities, road paving, sidewalks and other transportation construction takes place during warmer, drier months, when site and weather conditions are the best for asphalt paving and concrete work. 

This work ensures that infrastructure can continue to safely accommodate the needs of a growing community. 

Along with roads, many underground utilities are located under major routes in Coquitlam, and these utilities also need regular maintenance, upgrades and replacements — including water, sanitary, drainage and more. Road repaving following this work is necessary to restore the asphalt surface, and this also ideally happens in the summer. 

Learn more about ongoing projects this summer at coquitlam.ca/TrafficHotSpots and visit the Road Work and Construction Frequently Asked Questions.

Working to Reduce Traffic Impacts

The City takes various measures to reduce the traffic disruptions that road work and other construction can create for residents. 

• Short-term full road closures help to get the construction work done as soon as possible. 
• Night-time or off-peak hours work on major routes help avoid or reduce congestion. Nearby residents are notified if nighttime work will be taking place in their area, and potential noise impacts are considered and managed.
• Major work near schools is scheduled in July and August, as traffic and pedestrian volumes are lower in those areas at that time.

The City also works closely with developers, contractors, and other third parties such as BC Hydro, Fortis BC and Metro Vancouver to ensure adherence to bylaws and to mitigate impacts to residents. Timing is coordinated with other projects like water, sewer and drainage replacements to reduce the number of times a road is under construction.

Navigating Construction Zones Safely

All road users are encouraged to travel safely and responsibly in construction zones.

• Plan extra time or use alternate routes to avoid delays. 
• Follow posted speed limits, stay alert, avoid distractions, and remember that anticipated start and end dates may change due to weather or other delays.
• Obey flaggers or traffic controllers.

Manage your Commute and Stay Informed

There are a number of ways to keep up to date on traffic impacts this summer:

• Check traffic hotspots, or areas impacted by construction or road work, regularly on the City’s website at coquitlam.ca/TrafficHotSpots.
• Sign up for direct emails at coquitlam.ca/NotifyMe (scroll to bottom of the page and select Road Work and Construction News Flash.)
• Follow the City’s social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
• Subscribe to the Coquitlam Current biweekly e-newsletter. 

Media contact:Chad BraleySenior Manager, Design and ConstructionDoug McLeodDirector, Transportation604-927-4303epw@coquitlam.ca

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

The City's contractor will be completing intersection safety improvements along Johnson Street at David Avenue and Parkway Boulevard. Work will begin on July 3 and will be ongoing until late September. Traffic will be impacted and delays are expected.

What: Intersection Safety Improvements

Where:  Intersections of Johnson Street and David Avenue and Johnson Street and Parkway Boulevard (Location Map)

When: Construction will begin on July 3 and will be ongoing until late September.  Work will take place between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with possible Saturday work between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Traffic Impacts: Traffic will be impacted. There will be traffic delays during active construction with lane closures in place. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or plan extra time when using this route. 

Travel with caution through construction zones, watch for work crews and equipment, and obey all traffic personnel and signs, including construction speed limits. Thank you for your patience.

For more information, contact:Public Works Liaison 604-927-3550pwl@coquitlam.ca

Sharpe Street will be closed at Dewdney Trunk Road, starting Monday, July 6 for approximately two weeks, as Metro Vancouver completes work on the Dewdney Trunk Road Water Main. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays.

What: Metro Vancouver Dewdney Trunk Road Water Main Construction 

Where: Sharpe Street at Dewdney Trunk Road (Location Map)

When: Work is scheduled to start on July 6 for approximately two weeks. 

Traffic Impacts:  Sharpe Street will be closed at Dewdney Trunk Road and  traffic will be detoured.  In addition, the sidewalk will be closed at the intersection of Dewdney Trunk Road and Sharpe Street and pedestrians will be detoured via Lougheed Highway between Burton Court and Dewdney Trunk Road. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays.

Travel with caution through construction zones, watch for work crews and equipment, and obey all traffic personnel and signs, including construction speed limits. Thank you for your patience as Metro Vancouver's contractor completes this necessary work. 

Follow the City on our social media channels Facebook and Instagram where we update regularly with info on traffic hot spots.

For more information, contact:Metro Vancouver Information Centre: 604-432-6200After Hours Emergency: 604-451-6610Email: icentre@metrovancouver.org (Include “Dewdney Trunk Road Water Main – Mariner Way Section” in the subject line of your email)Website: metrovancouver.org (Search for “Dewdney Trunk Road Water Main – Mariner Way Section” for more information or to sign up for project updates)

Starting July 8, Dewdney Trunk Road will be closed to eastbound traffic between Locarno Drive to Mariner Way for approximately two months, as part of the Metro Vancouver Dewdney Trunk Water Main Project.

What: Metro Vancouver Dewdney Trunk Road Water Main Construction 

Where: Dewdney Trunk Road between Mariner Way and Locarno Drive (Location Map)

When: Work is scheduled to begin July 8 and expected to remain in place for approximately two months.

Traffic Impacts & What to Expect:

• Eastbound Traffic Closed: Dewdney Trunk Road from Locarno Drive to Mariner Way.
• Detour Route: Dewdney Trunk Road Eastbound traffic will be directed via Barnet Highway.
• Sidewalk Access: The sidewalk on the south side of Dewdney Trunk Road between Locarno Drive and Mariner Way will be closed. Use temporary crosswalk just west of Locarno Drive.
• Turn Restrictions: 
  • No right turns onto Dewdney Trunk Road from Locarno Drive.
  • No left turns onto Dewdney Trunk Road from Hansard Crescent.

 Driver Safety Reminder

When traveling through the construction zone, please:

• Drive with extreme caution and follow construction speed limits.
• Keep a close watch for work crews and heavy machinery.
• Obey all construction signage and instructions from traffic personnel.

Thank you for your patience as Metro Vancouver's contractor completes this necessary work. 

Follow the City on our social media channels Facebook and Instagram where we update regularly with info on traffic hot spots.

For more information, contact:Metro Vancouver Information Centre: 604-432-6200After Hours Emergency: 604-451-6610Email: icentre@metrovancouver.org (Include “Dewdney Trunk Road Water Main – Mariner Way Section” in the subject line of your email)Website: metrovancouver.org (Search for “Dewdney Trunk Road Water Main – Mariner Way Section” for more information or to sign up for project updates)