Coquitlam
Coquitlam is a mountainside community with unparalleled links to outdoor recreation at the many parks and trails and on Eagle and Burke Mountains. Coquitlam's City Centre, includes civic amenities such as the Evergreen Cultural Centre and the Coquitlam City Aquatic Centre, is flanked by streams and rivers and is adjacent to the 103 acre Town Centre Park.
Recreation Centres & Programs
With numerous activity centres, community pavilions, and studios spread throughout the community Coquitlam has ensured that it is always easy to partake in new experiences and favorite pastimes. Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex stands out, as its 190,000-square-foot capacity is put to full use with ice water, and fitness facilities, including: an indoor track, lap pool, three arenas, & a 6,800-square-foot
fitness centre. Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services offers a range of programs for all ages which can be easily viewed in their 21-page online Program Guide.
The Great Outdoors
Home to a trail system which totals a staggering 95 kilometers—like much of the Tri City area—Coquitlam fully embraces its natural setting. Mundy Park, a 400 acre urban oasis in the centre of Coquitlam, offers 16 km of trails, off leash dog areas, sports fields, an outdoor pool, and two lakes. The Coquitlam Crunch is a widely popular 2.2 km inclined loop to the top of Westwood Plateau; it begins with 300 metres of continuous steps, and culminates in a view of the city after an 800 foot elevation gain. Minnekhada Regional Park is a 200 hectare nature sanctuary, with trails, marshland and a hike up to what is known as the High Knoll. It features countless peaceful trails of various difficulties…the perfect escape for a busy day. Check out Coquitlam’s Master Tail Plan for comprehensive and updated guide to all things nature.
https://www.coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1588/Master-Trail-Plan-PDF
Coquitlam Spirit
The city of Coquitlam has proven to be remarkably adaptable, proving that they are always there for their residents, regardless of the circumstances. Coquitlam Spirit’s goal is to provide ‘free activities and resources to help residents stay active, healthy and connected.’ Their three pillars are caring, connections, and community. There are specific programs for various age groups including meal delivery, fitness at home, and creative writing for those over fifty. The program also introduced a set of virtual tutorials aimed at keeping life interesting for kids. From bathtub swimming lessons, to exploring science, or introduction to Hip Hop; the options are endless for parents looking for new ways to keep their kids busy. The spirit program also features an array of categories for community support/outreach. Whatever the world throws at us, Coquitlam is sure to keep it residents at the forefront of their plans.
Special Events & Festivals
As a municipality Coquitlam continues to work hard in order to build a ‘culture of community connections.’ They emphasize the interconnected nature of neighbourhoods and the sense of welcoming support residents can have for one another. In an effort to foster these goals Coquitlam ensures they have a steady slate of special events scheduled throughout the year. From Youth Week, and Neighbourhood Night, to Culture Days, and block parties—bringing people together is their focus. Lafarge Lake is home to a number of the city’s biggest events/festivals. Each year Lafarge hosts a
Canada Day celebration, a summer concert series—which was voted “Outdoor Concert of the Year" by Tri-Cities residents—Lights at Lafarge is also a favourite, a multi month lighting installation encompassing the entirety of the lake’s walking path.
Child Care Strategy
In the Spring of 2019 Coquitlam received a $25,000 grant from the provincial Community Child Care Planning Program which allowed them to create a more comprehensive Child Care Strategy. The new initiative is still in early stages, however, the goal is to expand the capacity of existing childcare operations while offering a wider range of services, as well as, creating entirely new spaces for the communities growing needs. During this process the city will be consulting with a number of institutions that serve local families, including visiting numerous existing childcare sites—the goal is to take the best pieces of each segment in order to create a better future.
Coquitlam is strategically located at the geographic centre of the Lower Mainland, making the City an attractive place for residents, industries and a thriving retail sector. Coquitlam is bordered by the municipalities of Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Burnaby and New Westminster, as well as the Fraser River to the south, Pitt River to the east and the Coastal Mountains to the north.