The mainly suburban City of Coquitlam in the Lower Mainland* of British Columbia, Canada, one of 21 municipalities of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (Metro Vancouver), had a 2011 Census population of 126,840, a 10.4-percent increase over the 2006 tally.
The southwestern portion of Coquitlam is on the Fraser River upstream from and adjacent to New Westminster. The northeastern portion is on the Pitt River upstream from its confluence with the Fraser. The Coquitlam River, a small tributary which enters the Fraser about a mile downstream from the confluence, divides Coquitlam on the west from Port Coquitlam on the east. Coquitlam’s southeastern border surrounds Port Coquitlam; Burnaby and Port Moody border on the west, the river on the south, and New Westminster on the southwest. The northern city limits reach Eagle Mountain in Indian Arm Provincial Park. Coquitlam’s land area, 152.5 square kilometres (58.9 square miles), is much larger than that of Port Coquitlam.
Historical Background
Explorer Simon Fraser, the river’s namesake, passed through in 1808, and gradual settlement of the area began in the 1860s. Construction of North Road in the mid-19th century to connect New Westminster to the year-round Port Moody port facilities gave birth to Coquitlam as a way station.
In 1889 Fraser Mills opened on the north bank of the Fraser River. The District of Coquitlam incorporated in 1891. Twenty years later, a mill town had grown around the mill. Since World War II, Coquitlam has experienced substantial, ongoing population growth. In 1971, the annexation of Fraser Mills enlarged the city’s industrial base. The area of the old mill, closed in 2001, is now residential.
Southwest Coquitlam is the original city centre, but the present centre, where the Skytrain Coquitlam Central station and most high-rise offices and residences and public buildings are, is near Lafarge Lake in the narrow, geographically middle part of the municipality between the wider northeastern and southwestern sections on the rivers. Metro Vancouver’s 1975 Livable Region Strategic Plan designated this new Coquitlam Town Centre for a concentration of high-density facilities.
The Austin Heights area between Austin and Como Lake Avenues is an urban fishing and recreation area and one of the last urban watersheds to support wild coho salmon, coastal cutthroat trout, and the Great Blue Heron and Green Heron bird species.
Local Economy
Coquitlam is a bedroom community, so most residents commute to their jobs in Vancouver, Burnaby, and other Metro Vancouver suburbs. Coquitlam’s industrial area remains in the southern Maillardville/Fraser Mills area near the Fraser River. The City of Coquitlam is now the largest employer with about 850 workers. Art in Motion, the “#1 Art Publisher in North America,” employs 750, and Boulevard Casino approximately 600. Other major employers are Coca-Cola, Sony, and the Rolls-Royce Marine Propulsion Division. In 2007, 610 Coquitlam retail businesses provided 27 percent of all jobs within the city. Most retail businesses are in the Town Centre area with the remainder around Austin Heights and the North Road.
Wildlife Warnings
Coquitlam is home to bears and many other wildlife species, especially in its northern reaches. As the human population increases and urban areas expand, habitat and natural food sources for wildlife diminish, and the animals forage in garbage for sustenance. The city Urban Wildlife Coordinator advises residents to “wildlife-proof” their properties by keeping garbage inaccessible, using disposal containers correctly, not planting fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, and removing bird feeders. If they encounter “threatening wildlife,” they should “not run” but should make themselves “look big” and be “loud and aggressive.”
* This unofficial term in popular usage describes the region from Horseshoe Bay south to the Canada/USA border and from the coast to Hope at the eastern end of the Fraser River Valley.
Excellent development opportunity. Site offers great south and east views. This central Coquitlam location should be of interest to developers active in the area, and to those who are considering new opportunities.More details
Developers & builders alert! 1 Acre prime development parcel in Burke Mountain! 8 single family RS8 lots.Will be minutes to new City Center and easy access off the Mountain to Lougheed Hwy. Walking distance to schools and new parks on Victoria Dr.More details
18 unit townhouse site, rezoned and ready to go in popular Burke Mtn. All plans included (1337-1938 sq.ft.), building permit already applied for. Start building in 2019 and catch the busy spring selling market. www.timberridge.info. Info package available.More details
Developer Alert! Over 1 acr. property at the base of Burke Mt. Designated as Multi family zone according to City Plan. Able to build up to to 11 executive style town homes plus duplex. CAD survey and environmental reports are available.Please find attached documents.More details
ADDRESS: Lots 1,2,3,6,7 3500 Harper Road, Coq. This offering presents an opportunity to acquire 5 oversized, build-ready lots in the burgeoning community of Burke Mountain in Northeast Coquitlam. Burke Mountain has experienced considerable growth in the last decade and is poised for further expansion, with a variety of residential communities and amenities planned for the immediate area.More details
Beautiful home! You will fall in love! Minutes to shops, restaurants, full-on excitement hub on Lougheed Hwy and Lougheed Town Centre. Central location:walk to the sky train, transit, Lougheed Mall with quick and easy access to the Trans-Canada Hwy. Minutes to SFU. Huge kitchen with an island! Laminate hardwood flooring. Large 2 bedroom legal suite. Covered deck with backyard fully fenced. 8 bedrooms. All sizes and measurements are approximate. Buyer and buyer’s agent to verify if needed.More details
WINNER OF THE STREET OF DREAMS LUXURY HOME EVENT IN WESTWOOD PLATEAU! Architecturally STUNNING residence with TOP QUALITY finishings! At 9000 sq.ft., this 6 Bed + 9 Bath home with 3-level elevator, air conditioning, outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, bbq area, sauna, gym, home theatre & wet bar has it all! Entering the home you’ll be in awe of the SPECTACULAR foyer with beautiful high ceilings, grand chandelier & spiral staircase. Chef-inspired kitchen features stainless steel appliances, tons of storage space & spice/wok kitchen. 2 master suites with lounge and fire places on main and upper floor. Secure home with gated driveway for peace of mind. GREAT LOCATION close to schools, transit stops & Westwood Plateau Gold & Country Club. This home is a MUST SEE!More details
Most value on land 33 x 122 lot designated C-4 zoning (Town Centre Commercial). Located in the heart of Coquitlam Centre with surrounding lot of high rise buildings. Great holding property with excellent future redevelopment. This rancher has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, new carpet, new paint. Steps to Evergreen Skytrain, Coquitlam Centre Mall, Coquitlam library, City Hall, Glen elementary, Douglas College, Lafarge Park.More details
Opportunity to acquire a corner townhouse development site on a quiet street within walking distance to Burquitlam Skytrain Station of the Millennium Line, Burquitlam is a growing neighborhood in West Coquitlam. Total Site size of just over 34,000 sq. ft., this assembled site of 5 properties allows townhouse in the Burquitlam Lougheed Neighbourhood Plan. Located near Como Lake Avenue & Clark Road. Being a central location of Metro Vancouver has attracted influx of population and growth medium-xize real estate development firms to explore and densify the neighborhood. Please contact for Development Site Package.More details
One of a kind Contemporary Whistler style architectural luxury 6,000+ SF home on prestigious Plateau Blvd - Street of dreams. South facing large 17,000+ SF lot with great view of mountains and city. This custom home has everything you need with multiple spacious decks and patios to entertain friends and family. Open floor plan, gourmet kitchen with high-end Miele kitchen appliances, big wok kitchen, big main floor bedroom with ensuite, 4 bedrooms up with ensuite. Central air conditioning, high efficiency heating and central vacuum 2-5-10 new home warranty. Close to golf course, hiking, shopping, school, skytrain, westcoast express, etc. The last brand new house in Westwood Plateau. Hampton Park Elementary, Gleneagle SecondaryMore details