Piranasian Studio
Housing Choices are new, innovative, small-scale,
ground-oriented housing concepts that are not currently
permitted under existing land use regulations.
Housing Choices is part of Coquitlam’s belief that
access to safe, adequate and affordable housing is
fundamental to the physical, economic and social well
being of individuals, families and neighbourhoods.
Key considerations of Housing Choices are implementation
of City objectives and policies, such as those
calling for diversity of housing, building design that is
pedestrian oriented and serves as a positive contribution
and enhancement to neighbourhood context, and
the incorporation of sustainable design strategies that
minimize environmental impacts. Housing Choices
could help diversify housing in Maillardville, provide
opportunities to accommodate residential growth and
change, supply alternatives to living in a conventional
single family home, townhouse or apartment, enhance
existing or desired neighbourhood character, improve
neighbourhood livability, add to a sense of community
and potentially increase levels of affordability to meet
the varied needs of the neighbourhood.
In November of 2009, the City of Coquitlam unveiled a program to create density infill for residential neighbourhoods. John attended workshop sessions where aseveral kinds of infill projects were shown by planning staff. Folllowing is an excerpt from the discussion handouts.
The planners asked for pilot projects to test the program. Frans owns two non-conforming houses on a single family lot which seemed a perfect candidate.