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.
Attention Developer!1.15 acre Townhouse Development site in Burke Mountain finest new development area. Neighbours properties are under development applications. Will be minutes to new City Center at Mitchell and Gislason and easy access off the Mountain to Lougheed Hwy. Walking distance to schools and new parks on Victoria. Tenant would like to stay. Do not disturb the tenant. Showing with appointments. Big Guard Dog on duty. Do not walk the property alone.More details
Coquitlam West Area. Walking distance to Lougheed Town Center. Golf Club, Coquitlam College is closer by. Easy commute to SFU. Easy access to Hwy#1. Huge over 30000 sqt. LOT Name street on the Front( Austin) and the Back( Sydney) . Sub-dividable (see historical Neighbourhood subdivision plans )Over 10000 sqt of luxury living , ORIENTAL GARDEN architectural style. The atrium design understands the philosophy of the unit of man and nature, reflecting the seasonal changes in the four seasons. Round shape windows largely used to absorb nature light, reflects Chinese Taois philosophy "Round sky and square earth", Hight ceiling, view to the west, Each bedroom has its ensuite. Master Bedroom has a spa-like bathroom, Granite . Radiant Floor Heating, air conditioning. https://youtu.be/0DOS-qTF5ycMore details
Breathtaking LUXURIOUS, FULLY RENO'd, Custom, Street of Dreams Mansion. Extraordinary 7,400 sq ft estate nestled on a quiet 13,132 sq ft view lot. No details have been missed in this 5 bdrm, 4.5 bath home w/private gated driveway & parking for 4 in 2 double garages & a CUSTOM ELEVATOR. Enter into the grand foyer, w/Italian Marble floors thru-out the main. Double high ceiling living room & large entertainer's dining rm. The show stopping chef's kitchen includes: butler's pantry, wok kitchen & SubZero Fridge, double ovens, huge granite counter island. Private covered balcony from family rm. Upstairs boasts 4 bdrms & a dream primary bdrm w/spa-like one of a kind primary bath. Walk-out Sep entry Bsmt has custom wet bar, theatre, rec rm, & bdrm. Split A/C, Composite Tile Roof...Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!More details
Land assembly opportunity. Official Community Plan (OCP) calls for medium density apartment residential development (townhouse and apartment developments at medium densities from three to eight storey). Neighbouring property available for land assembly. House is still livable and tenanted.More details
Attention Developers! Great investment and development opportunity in a highly sought-after Burquitlam! This is a land assembly, sold together with 629 Smith Ave, R2767698. Centrally located in a unique and established neighborhood, within a walking distance of Burquitlam Station, YMCA, shopping and all levels of schools. The land is designated RM-3 in Coquitlam City's Official Community Plan, this zone allows for apartment developments up to 6 storey wood frame or 8 storey concrete at a medium density. The City of Coquitlam Burquitlam-Lougheed Neighborhood Plan expects “significant new growth along the SkyTrain corridor”. Don’t miss this opportunity!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
Absolutely unique and super deluxe Dream Home in Westwood Plateau. A magnificent, gorgeous quality custom built, inside area is 5,615 sqft., of 3 levels with 6 bedrooms / 5 bathrooms plus an office on 20,367 sqft lot next to a massive Greenbelt in most desirable Westwood Plateau. Supreme finishing, full attention to details & craftsmanship with creative finest decoration give an intimate feeling of luxurious comfort of classic & modern living. It includes grand foyer, high ceilings, granite & marble flooring, radiant heated floor, extensive stonework, 2 staircases, steam room, double jacuzzi tub, heated driveway, waterfalls, fountain. Lots of updates, must see to appreciate real value!More details
Developers and Builders Alert! Land Assembly and Redevelopment opportunities. OCP allows to build Townhouse. Big Lot of 13596 SQFF. Could combined with neighbor property in total of 27192 SQFT. 2 level house with 4 bed and 2 bathroom. Prime Development location beside Cottonwood Park with green space and a big playground. Great Location, Walking distance to Lougheed Shopping Mall, Community Center, Library and Skytrain Station.More details
Developers and Builders Alert! Land Assembly and Redevelopment opportunities. OCP allows to build Townhouse. Big Lot of 13596 SQFF. Could combined with neighbor property in total of 27192 SQFT .2 level house with 4 bed and 2 bathroom. Prime Development location beside Cottonwood Park with green space and a big playground. Great Location, Walking distance to Lougheed Shopping Mall, Community Center, Library and Skytrain Station.More details
Stunning LAKEFRONT property in Central Coquitlam. NO EXPENSE SPARED in this brand new custom built home with top of the line finishes throughout. Magazine look living areas are complimented by a true Chef’s kitchen featuring beautiful cabinetry, a 5’ workstation sink, JennAir pro range, and a wet bar coffee and wine fanatics will crave for. Entertaining will be effortless in the heated patio with built in BBQ or the Recreation room with Bar. Relax in the 4 en-suite bedrooms up top, all with either lake or Mountain Views. Entire home is also outfitted with the best of modern tech including built in speakers, CCTV, AC/HRV, Radiant in floor heating, and much more. 2 bedroom legal suite is completely separate from the main house. MUST SEE to appreciate! Call today to Book your private showing!More details