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.
Fantastic development opportunity in Coquitlam! This offering is for seven income properties featuring 2 and 3 bedroom strata townhouses built in 1970. Total lot size is 19,570 SF. The OCP proposes a zoning change to RT-3 which allows for 0.85 FSR. Take advantage of this chance to hold as an income property or redevelop. Don't miss out!More details
Listed by Angell, Hasman & Associates Realty Ltd.
and eXp Realty
Rarely available full duplex with huge lot for re-development. Low-rise or Townhouse development potential. Close proximity to schools, parks and skytrain.More details
Development property, designated townhomes in City's Official Community Plan with well maintained 4 bdrm family home on 1.867 acres. Future Polygon development 300 ft to the east. Desirable place for townhouses with a small peaceful; creek flowing through the southeast corner. 16' x 24' workshop with electricity and new roof. Large storage shed 14' x 20' with 8.5' ceilings. Live in and enjoy the setting until you are ready to develop.More details
A Magnificent GRAND-SCALE Estate residence in the prestigious Westwood Plateau. This gated home boosting UNENCUMBERED VIEWS of city skyline, surrounding hillside, Mt. Baker & Fraser River from all 3 levels. The exquisite design create an almost 9000sf of luxurious 6 bedroom family residence, impressive in/outdoor living area. On the main floor, you will be surely impressed by the grand foyer entry with a curved staircase, double height ceiling living area, generous dining and eating area with incredible views, large size gourmet chef's kitchen & wok kitchen. The ample upper floor offers 4 bedrooms with their own ensuite. The lower floor is off the charts with SWIMMINGPOOL, SPA, steam room, sauna, media room, games room and more. A private ELEVATOR to all 3 levels and a 3 car garage.More details
Coquitlam West RM-3 Multi-storey medium density Development Opportunity/ Land Assembly East of Lougheed Highway and North Road. The site falls within the core and Shoulder area of Coquitlam's Transit-Oriented Development Strategy. The properties are located along major transit nodes in the centre of Coquitlam, near the new Evergreen Skytrain expansion. OCP allows for a Medium Density Development Site 7-8 Stories with an FSR of 2.45 or a 4-6 story development. Buyers Agent or Buyers must verify zoning with city of Coquitlam. All the measurements are approximately verify with your agent.More details
Prime opportunity to be part of the Northwest Burke Mountain master plan community. The Hazel-Coy neighborhood is the next area to develop with the Phase 4 development plan to be brought forward by end of year. Situated conveniently on the intersection of Hazel Ave. and Martin with possible double frontage or entry, municipal water and electrical services already connected. This 1.03 acre lot, purchased together with 3340 Hazel (1.04 acre) to total a massive 2.07 acres of land for development. Approximately 28-30 townhome site with plans available. VIEW DRONE FOOTAGE and call listing agent for full details!More details
Immaculate home on Westwood Plateau's Street of Dreams. Unobstructed breathtaking view. Ionic Greek Column architecture and a grand foyer w/high vaulted ceilings welcome you to this 9190 SF mansion resting on a 13043 SF lot. Living room w/gas fireplace & entertainment size dining room lead to chefs dream kitchen w/luxury granite kitchen counters, center island & wok kitchen. The cozy nook lends direct access to a huge balcony terrace with a Mount Baker view. Bright grand size master bedroom w/fireplace, a separate sitting area featuring views of Mt Baker & large ensuite w/double sinks, cosmetic counter & separate jacuzzi tub & shower. 3658 SF bsmt with private entertainment featuring Theatre, Fitness Room, Game Room, Table Tennis, Billiard, Sauna & Wet Bar. Please make appt for showing.More details
A modern Delicate and Elegant house with spectacular SCENIC VIEWS of the seaside and mountains from each floor! It is located on a 12495 sf lot with 5283 sf living area in the reputable neighborhood. Well-designed front yard with on ground lights, beautiful professional designed backyard has a 3 hole golf putting green. All three floors are high ceilings, 10'-14' feets, with bright and walk out lower floor offer an ideal daily-life satisfaction.Two heating system and air conditioning. Three backyard Luxury patios with beautiful fireplaces, European picturesque windows, high-end appliances throughout, designer lights and exterior wall fixtures enhance the depth of the luxury. One legal suite has a separate entrance and all the seprated utility meters. Close to everywhere: Como Lake, Blue mountain park, PSLC, Library. Burquitlam station, Lougheed mall, Vancouver Golf Club.More details
Fantastic panoramic million dollar views at all 3 storeys! Custom built home w/ top premium quality. 7,481sf living space & 16,145 sf lot size in Westwood Plateau. Fully fenced, w/ privacy & security. Extraordinary garden at backyard. Main floor features w/ vault ceiling, open concept of kitchen, formal LR & DR, wine cabinet, family LR & DR, a huge sundeck of outdoor space blended in stunning mt/lake/city scenes, a spacious office, & guest bdrm etc. Upstairs has 5 spacious modern bdrms w/ gorgeous views &3 full bath. Daylight walk-out bsmt w/full equipped media rm, rec rm, full size kitchen, wet bar, sauna, 2 bdrm & 3 full bath etc. 5 fireplaces & stereo systems built in. Over $1.3M on full renovation in 2014. A fabulous home w/ a successful life. OH: Mar 25th/26th 2-4pmMore details