After the Evergreen Extension was built, many changes have come to the Tri-cities area and there are more changes to come. The Coquitlam Skytrain Station was opened late last year on December 2, 2016 and is expected to be the busiest of the six new stations. The Evergreen Skytrain extends the Skytrain network from Lougheed Town Centre in Burnaby to Lafarge Lake-Douglas in Coquitlam.
According to the Cressey Development Group Officials, they are already hoping to build a 42 story tower in Coquitlam due to the rapid transit line and the amount of new people coming in to the city. In a December 2 CBC News article, Mike Clay, Mayor of Port Moody commented that the suburbs are becoming more urban with the addition of the line. Even though the Evergreen Extension is located in Coquitlam and Port Moody, it has brought many changes to the neighbouring cities. The growth of condos, town houses and businesses is not only increasing in Coquitlam and Port Moody, but also places such as Port Coquitlam.
Homes within walking distance of the Skytrain will see a definite increase in property value. This includes cities such as Port Coquitlam, Port Moody and of course Coquitlam. According to the Bridgewell Real Estate Group website, analysis over a number of studies show that existing condos and town houses will roughly see about five percent of increase in price while vacant lots up to 25 percent increase.
Before the Skytrain was up and running, there had been some concern about possible increased crime. People were wondering if the Skytrain would affect the crime rate in the area. After monitoring, however, RCMP officials have said that they have not found any support or evidence of increase in crime in the Tri-cities area just yet. “Rapid transit has the potential for introducing negatives and we haven’t really seen it,” said Richard Stewart, Mayor of Coquitlam. Richard said that the only real complaint so far has been the noise for the people who live walking distance to the Skytrain.
The Tri-cities area is losing its suburban feel and becoming more urban with new businesses, new high rises and the beautiful and colourful lights that light up the columns supporting the Skytrain along the streets. With new projects and ideas coming in for new homes, its going to be a great opportunity for people to be moving into the Tri-cities area.
Feature photo courtesy- Grant Mattice
