Advocacy Updates Blog
Published Jul 13, 2026

City of Coquitlam - Housing Unit Mix Policy

First Reading

July 13th, 2026

As mentioned in previous updates, on July 6, Council gave First Reading to the proposed Housing Unit Mix Policy and referred it to Public Hearing. Since the last time this was presented in November, UDI submitted feedback in a letter to staff, and the City made the following changes: 

  • Establishing a studio unit threshold that sets the number of studio units in all buildings in a development to a maximum of 25% of the total number of dwelling units in all buildings in a development constructed under a zone established in apartment, mixed-use and Comprehensive Development zones;  
  • Removing the studio unit threshold from the individual apartment and mixed-use zones to simplify administration; and 
  • Defining the minimum Bedroom Standard as: 
  • Separated from the remainder of the dwelling unit by floor-to-ceiling walls and a door; 
  • Minimum floor area of 8.0m2; 
  • Minimum width of 2.4 m in any direction; and 
  • At least one exterior-facing window (where included in an apartment use).  

The new proposed unit mix is as follows: 

Staff noted that, as a policy, there will be threshold relaxations in the following cases: 

  • Projects with demonstrated unique development circumstances and financial hardship that may impact viability; 
  • Projects that address other Council Strategic Priorities and for which project delivery is impeded by the policy; 
  • Projects that provide additional community benefit in the form of an in-kind public amenity and/or enhanced livability and design performance – staff noted this would need to be a substantial negotiated benefit. 

City staff shared that they will be monitoring this policy to ensure its viability for projects. 

More information can be found in the full report by City staff.

December 8th, 2025

At Council-in-Committee on November 17, staff presented a report for information regarding the proposed Housing Unit Mix Policy. The report aims to provide a balanced mix of housing responding to Coquitlam’s housing needs and supports complete communities.  

The proposed housing unit mix thresholds relative to housing needs are as follows: 

More information can be found in the full report by City staff.  

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