As one of Vancouver's bedroom communities, Coquitlam has a role to play in the larger conversation about the region's persistent housing unaffordability. Packing in hundreds of units within constrained lots, many of which hug elevated SkyTrain right-of-ways, a wave of highrise condominium developments are attempting to address the housing problem by upping inventory. These four projects, each of them in the early stages of their vertical ascent, represent a small snapshot of the wider trend of urban growth that is gripping Coquitlam.

Onni Group's Brookmere, image via Chris Dikeakos Architects

Onni Group's Brookmere development straddles Lougheed Town Centre and Brookmere Park with a 28-storey tower designed by the ubiquitous Chris Dikeakos Architects. Residents of the 216 units can expect to indulge in an exclusive array of indoor and outdoor amenities totalling 14,000 square feet, including a second floor terrace outfitted with a specialized barbecue area.

Brookmere construction, image by Forum contributor City Of Rain

Another outdoor terrace on the third floor will come with garden plots and a children's play area, while the adults can work off steam in the fully equipped fitness centre. Excavation for the development has been completed, with the building's floor plates now beginning to fill up the hole on the way to the surface.

Square Nine's Union, image via Chris Dikeakos Architects

Chris Dikeakos Architects was also appointed to Square Nine Developments' Union project, which replaces a grassy knoll with a 19-storey, 102-unit project. It too will feature a fitness room and an expansive kitchen-equipped sky lounge fit for dining and entertaining. This double-height space will crown the structure just below its cantilevered roofline.

Union rises above grade, image by Forum contributor City Of Rain

The concrete skeleton of the project has risen above Austin Avenue in recent weeks, giving passersby a clearer glimpse of the building's eventual street presence.

The Burquitlam Capital, image via Rositch Hemphill Architects

Referencing the neighbourhood portmanteau, the excavated site of The Burquitlam Capital was recently graced by a tower crane, signalling the start of vertical construction. This 23-storey development at 509 Clarke Road will contain 189 units within a Rositch Hemphill Architects-designed tower steps from the Evergreen Line.

The Burquitlam Capital under construction, image by Forum contributor City Of Rain

Magusta Development has also ensured a disparate ground-level tapestry that integrates four townhomes and over 10,500 square feet of commercial space. Naturally, the development also comes with a gym and an outdoor terrace, perched atop the podium.

Mantyla, image via Polygon Homes

Finally, Polygon Homes is building the 25-storey Mantyla, which comprises the final collection of residences for Coquitlam's Windsor Gate community. Its 144 units, starting at 820 square feet, will be complemented by the Nakoma Club, the broader development's 18,000-square-foot private clubhouse.A fitness studio, screening room, outdoor pool, and landscaped terrace are among the amenities residents will enjoy in the near future, as construction peeks above grade. 

Mantyla construction, image by Forum contributor City Of Rain

Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.