Coquitlam Council OKs 7-tower plan, warns holdouts
COUNCIL ACTION: December 15, 2025. A development proposal for seven towers on the former Coquitlam College property received unanimous support from Coquitlam council on Monday, allowing the project to advance despite three local homeowners not selling their lots. This decision signals that while the city prefers developers to acquire all necessary land, it will not permit a few landowners to stop a major housing development.
A project by Onni Group to build 2,460 housing units on Brookmere Avenue was reviewed by council. The plan includes seven towers, ranging from 30 to 51 stories, on a 7.2-acre site. The proposal consists of approximately 1,801 market condominiums and 656 rental units. Of the rentals, 80 are planned to be below-market rate.
The development has been a topic of public discussion for some time. Initial proposals were presented to the council in May 2024, outlining a plan for about 2,500 homes. By December 2024, the developer had altered the plan, removing a significant amount of previously included office space to increase amenity and retail areas, a move that was met with criticism from some council members.
A key issue for the project is the presence of three single-family homes within the development site whose owners have chosen not to sell their properties to the developer. Council members stated that while the city has policies to ensure properties are not left isolated by development, they also have a policy against allowing holdouts to halt a project. One councillor was noted as saying the development would not be held up for final approval if the properties are not acquired at fair market value. Another councillor suggested the homeowners should consider when their leverage in negotiations is at its highest.
The project is set to be constructed in three phases. It will also include 12,000 square feet of office space, 31,000 square feet of commercial space, and a 9,300 square foot childcare facility. The developer is expected to pay the city approximately $188 million in various development fees and community contributions, with $9 million of that designated for affordable housing. There was a suggestion from council to reinvest that $9 million directly back into this project to increase its affordability. The plan also includes environmental and community features, such as uncovering a tributary of Austin Creek and adding new trails. The project requires one more vote from the council before it can officially proceed.
