Burquitlam is quickly emerging as one of Metro Vancouver’s most vibrant communities, and when complete, Gardena by Intracorp will offer exceptional residential opportunities in this fast-growing neighbourhood. An extensive master-planned community, Gardena presents a mix of design-driven condos and rental homes across four buildings, one of which is a 42-storey tower that will redefine the Burquitlam skyline.
Burquitlam is future friendly, and accessibility has been extensively incorporated into urban design and the planned environment to ensure residents benefit from connectivity and sustainability.
The Burquitlam-Lougheed Neighbourhood Plan (BLNP) was recently implemented and outlines the neighbourhoods growth strategy for the next 25 years. At the heart of the BLNP is sustainability, and the creation of walkable, complete and transit-oriented neighbourhoods is strongly emphasized. In addition, the plan supports the development of a range of housing types and convenient access to amenities and workplaces. To facilitate access throughout the region, higher density developments will be centered near SkyTrain Stations, and row homes and fourplexes will be slightly distanced from these transport hubs.
Burquitlam also prioritizes walkable environments, and the creation of public parks and plazas have been prioritized in the BNLP to promote access to the outdoors. Not only does this encourage physical activity, but promotes mental health, ever-important as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2016, the Evergreen Extension of the Millennium Line connected six SkyTrain stations across Port Moody and Coquitlam, providing easily accessible and affordable transit options for residents. Not only did this connect the various sub-communities of Coquitlam and Burnaby, but connected Burquitlam residents to the Vancouver downtown core via a 45 minute SkyTrain journey.
Now, in addition to the Millennium Line extension, the recently released Metro 2050 SkyTrain plan maps out the proposed SkyTrain expansion for the next 30 years. As the population of Burquitlam and the larger Metro Vancouver region continues to grow with no signs of slowing down, the 2050 plan acts as a blueprint for accessible and sustainable transit. The 2050 plan intends to expand SkyTrain tracks by over 300 kms, with some notable extensions travelling west to UBC and towards the US border to Surrey and Langley. These routes outlined in the 2050 plan will help to further connect the Burquitlam neighbourhood with surrounding regions, facilitating movement for the continually growing population.
In addition to the SkyTrain, Port Coquitlam is serviced by the West Coast Express Commuter Rail, a traditional, above-ground train that runs from Mission, BC, to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. With the Port Coquitlam stop located halfway through the line, the West Coast Express presents an additional method of transport that increases accessibility within the neighbourhood.
The city of Coquitlam is home to over 60 kms of bike routes which include both street-shared lanes, bicycle-specific lanes and neighbourhood bikeways. These functional routes are safe and accessible opportunities for commuters that also promote exercise and an active lifestyle.
Whether walking, travelling via SkyTrain, or getting exercise through cycling, Burquitlam residents reap the benefits of accessible and functional design.
Click here to learn more about Gardena, an Intracorp community coming soon to Burquitlam.