How Coquitlam’s New Transit-Oriented Plans Could Shape the Future of Housing

by Carlos Pineda

Earlier this month, the City of Coquitlam launched public engagement on its new transit-oriented area (TOA) plans, following the Province’s Bill 47 legislation. These changes could have a big impact on where and how new homes are built — especially around SkyTrain stations.

What Are Transit-Oriented Areas (TOAs)?

TOAs are areas within 800 metres of SkyTrain stations where higher-density housing is encouraged. The idea is simple: if you live closer to transit, you can rely less on driving, which supports a more sustainable and affordable community.

Coquitlam currently has eight TOAs:

Braid
Burquitlam
Coquitlam Central
Inlet Centre
Lafarge Lake–Douglas
Lincoln
Lougheed Town Centre
Moody Centre

In these zones, the City has already eliminated minimum parking requirements and is now updating land use plans to reflect provincial rules.

What’s Changing in Coquitlam?

Because the Province’s TOAs are based on perfect circles around stations, some properties were left out or misaligned with Coquitlam’s original neighbourhood plans. To fix this, the City has adjusted the boundaries and proposed new land uses.

Here are a few highlights:

More Apartments Near Transit: Some townhouse-designated areas in the TOAs are being shifted to medium-density apartments to meet Bill 47 requirements.
New Townhouse Areas: To make up for the loss of townhouse land, the City is proposing townhouse developments in “shoulder areas” just outside the TOAs, including Oakdale, East Burquitlam, and West Austin.
Neighbourhood Centres: Along main roads like Austin Avenue and Como Lake Avenue, the City is considering small mixed-use nodes — with shops on the ground floor and apartments above.

Why This Matters for Families and Buyers

For many families in Coquitlam, townhouses are the “missing middle” — more affordable than a detached home, but larger and more practical than a condo. These changes are aimed at protecting and expanding townhouse supply, while still allowing for high-rises near transit.

This means that in the coming years, buyers will see:

More housing options near SkyTrain stations
Better walkability with shops and amenities closer to home
A mix of housing types — from condos to townhouses to mixed-use developments

What’s Next?

Public engagement is ongoing until July 14, and the City will continue refining plans before moving into Phase Three. The goal is to balance provincial requirements with local needs, ensuring Coquitlam continues to grow in a way that supports both affordability and livability.

Final Thoughts

As Coquitlam evolves, these changes could open up more opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors — especially near transit hubs. If you’re thinking about moving to, or investing in, one of these neighbourhoods, it’s worth keeping an eye on how land use plans develop.

If you’d like guidance on navigating the Coquitlam real estate market and understanding where these changes may create opportunities, I’d be happy to help.

Carlos Pineda | TOP TRI-CITIES + GREATER VANCOUVER REALTOR®
Stonehaus Realty
(604) 785-8454
carlos@carlospineda.ca