Como Lake Gardens Housing Development

With the availability of safe, affordable housing in the Lower Mainland at an all time low, YWCA Vancouver is excited to announce Como Lake Gardens, a new housing community planned for single moms and their children.

The current high cost of housing in the Vancouver area makes it very challenging for single moms with limited means to find a safe and affordable place to live. For these women, there is little time or money left for schooling and the development of meaningful careers. More often than not their lives become focused on simply making ends meet. Como Lake Gardens will help many single mothers and their children who live in poverty, or close to it.

Located in Coquitlam, Como Lake will be the third large-scale housing project developed by the YWCA in Metro Vancouver. The development and rezoning permit submission is underway and construction is scheduled to begin in 2009.

The building

• Located at 528 Como Lake Avenue in Coquitlam.
• 31,193.5-square feet, four-storey building.
• 30 residential units (eight three-bedroom, 22 two-bedroom).
• Construction anticipated to begin in 2009 – target completion date is 2010.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Como Lake Gardens is designed to meet LEED Gold Standards and will incorporate green building features, including:

• The building envelope will comprise insulation, roofing, windows and exterior materials designed to retain heat in winter and resist summer sun heat buildup.
• Recyclable materials will be used, along with paints, carpets and other interior finishings that minimize off gases.
• Landscaping will incorporate drought tolerant plants.
• A range of features that reduce dampness and deterioration, and improve weather protection will be included. Rain screen cavity walls, overhangs, and brick and metal claddings give an extended life to the building, while offering more comfort and less maintenance.

The Como Lake Gardens project is made possible by the granting of a 60-year lease (for one dollar per year) by the City of Coquitlam, a mortgage provided by key project partner BC Housing, and monies contributed by generous YWCA donors.

Learn more about other YWCA Housing Programs.