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Healthy oak tree to be 'saved' after Port Coquitlam residents raise concerns

Residents said shade was important. A large oak tree will now be saved as two homes are razed to make way for 50-unit condo near downtown Port Coquitlam.

A healthy oak tree will be retained on property slated for a 50-unit condo development, Port Coquitlam has agreed.

On Tuesday, (July 5), council OK'd a development permit for a six-storey apartment building with 50 units at 2411 and 2433 Shaughnessy St., across the street from two other new housing developments.

However, nine other trees will have to be removed on the property where two homes are currently located.

The tree was the subject of concern by neighbours who told the city it was important for shading, habitat for wildlife, and greenery to the neighbourhood. 

“It’s good there is the significant oak tree that can be retained,” noted Coun. Nancy McCurrach.

More than 50 per cent units studio or one bedroom

Council was told the new development by George Du, on the southwestern corner of Shaughnessy Street and Atkins Avenue, will have extensive landscaping, including 11 replacement trees, shrubs and plants, including native species and pollinator attractants.

The new project will be directly across the street from Shaughnessy One and Shaughnessy Two being built by Kutak Developments

Once built, the condo project will include:

  • nine studio units
  • 20 one-bedroom units
  • eight two-bedroom units
  • 10 two-bedrooms plus den units
  • three three-bedrooms units

Homes will vary in size from 482 sq. ft to 1,228 sq.ft.

Plans are to have a three-level automated stacking parkade system (one level underground and two levels above grade) as well as a rooftop terrace with an outdoor cooking station, seating areas, resident garden plots and children’s play area.

It’s not the first development in Port Coquitlam to have a stackable garage; however, it is a notable addition to this new development, according to a staff report.

It’s supposed to increase the efficiency of the parking area by allowing drivers to exit their vehicle at grade before it’s stowed in its final location.

How does a stacking car garage work

To park, a resident would steer toward their allocated space within the parking system, open the security gate, drive into a regular sized parking space, exit the machine and close the gate. 

To retrieve the car, a resident will request their vehicle via a fob/key, a gate will open, the resident enters, drives vehicle out and closes the gate.

Each stall in the parking system will be roughed in with an electric vehicle charging station. 

In the case of a power outage, the system can be manually operated through the use of manual jacks attached to the hydraulic system.