Como Lake BCCUCC Development
Coquitlam, BC
VIA is working with the British Columbia Conference of the United Church of Canada (BCCUCC) and Colliers International Consulting (CIC) to redevelop three sites in three different municipalities (Richmond, Coquitlam and Nanaimo) to build new church space for each congregation as well as affordable housing that will serve each community.
Como Lake United Church in Coquitlam, BC will comprise new church space for the congregation and 75 rental units with one level of below-grade parking. Of these units, nearly 80% will be rented at BC Housing’s affordable rates and the remainder will be rented at market rates. While most of the units are Studio and 1-bedroom types, more than 20% are family-friendly 2- and 3-bedroom units.
The site has been designed to maximize the amount of affordable housing provided while taking advantage of its natural slope and orientation. The building form creates two courtyard garden areas; one at the north for main residential entry and a sunny south-facing amenity garden at the lane. The sloped site allows a partial fifth storey to be incorporated with minimal impact on the neighbours. The church retains its street presence on the corner and shares an elevator from the upper level of parking with the residents.
VIA is providing site master planning, programming, OCP amendment, rezoning, permits, architectural design, public consultation, and contract administration services.