Coquitlam, in conjunction with
Port Coquitlam and
Port Moody, completes the
real estate area known as the “Tri-Cities”, which together
occupy the region at the foot of Eagle Mountain, between the head
of the Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River, in the Fraser Valley.
Sandwiched between Port Moody and Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam itself
has three distinct areas, each with its own style. Southwest Coquitlam
is where the majority of French-Canadian workers settled and many
of the original historical buildings are still standing; Coquitlam
Town Centre is the “urban” core; and Westwood Plateau
is 1,400 acres of residential development. Approximately 30 –
40 minutes from downtown Vancouver by car, and a 30-minute ride on
the West Coast
Express commuter train, Coquitlam is fast becoming a popular alternative
to the busy city lifestyle.
Coquitlam is an area steeped in West Coast history. The first inhabitants
of the area were the Coast Salish, but by the beginning of the 19th
century, with the opening of Fraser Mills, Coquitlam was a young mill
town. The eventual arrival of French-Canadian workers resulted in
a strong and vibrant French-Canadian community called Maillardville
on the south slope of Coquitlam. The City of Coquitlam is committed
to preserving the local history, and in 2002 it completed the “Heritage
Strategic Plan” – a plan designed to ensure that the City’s
heritage is written into policy.
Coquitlam's geography is every bit as spectacular as the surrounding
communities. Lined with spectacular natural trails for biking, hiking,
and walking, Coquitlam is the ideal place for those who enjoy outdoor
sports. Both within and without the city limits, residents and visitors
can find several protected parks for picnicking, and Coquitlam also
provides many complexes for indoor sports like basketball, swimming,
tennis, hockey, and lacrosse. As well, there are a range of camps
for children, and various other programs and events for people of
all ages. But the great outdoors is not the only thing going in Coquitlam:
for those who love to shop, the 910,000 foot, 2 storey Coquitlam Centre
Mall
is just the thing.
