Port Coquitlam Area Info.

Port Coquitlam is centrally located in the Lower Mainland between the Fraser, Pitt and Coquitlam rivers. With over 266 hectares of parkland within its borders, the community offers an extensive system of outdoor trails perfect for cycling, hiking and leisurely walks. It is a quick drive into Vancouver via the Lougheed or Trans Canada highways and an easy commute on the West Coast Express train. The City is within driving distance of the U.S. border, Vancouver International Airport and BC Ferries.

One of the fastest growing areas in the Lower Mainland, Port Coquitlam offers an abundance of business opportunities. It is a small town with all the amenities of a large urban centre. Industrial and commercial land is reasonably priced, easily accessible and well serviced. Specialized manufacturing alone employs more than 13,000 people. Supporting and promoting economic growth continues to be a primary community focus. Consequently, Port Coquitlam has become the home base for a large number of progressive enterprises.

The authentic downtown centre is complete with a main street lined with maple trees and decorative street lamps. Specialty shops, restaurants and small business establishments abound. Port Coquitlam is a warm and caring community committed to providing a desirable, safe place to live and raise a family.

Currently, Port Coquitlam is home to more than 57,000 people who enjoy:

• A wide variety of housing choices
• Abundant park space and leisure activities
• Quality schools
• Numerous places of worship
• Local health care facilities

Its picturesque natural setting, business opportunities, small-town spirit and dedication to healthy living combine to offer an exceptional living environment for people of all ages.

History

The Port Coquitlam Heritage and Cultural Society’s Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to take a walk downtown and learn some of Port Coquitlam’s History.

Pitt River 02-EdwardsonThe City of Port Coquitlam has a vivid and interesting history. Prior to the year 1913, there were actually two Coquitlams, a rural municipality of 64 square miles and a new industrial area within the municipality. It was the industrial area surrounding the C.P.R. Pacific Coast Terminal that was incorporated on April 18, 1913 with the inauguration of Mayor James Mars., J.P.

Port Coquitlam is bounded on the south by the Fraser River, on the east by the Pitt River, west by the Coquitlam River and by the Coast Mountains to the north. The City’s geographical location was one of the main factors leading to its incorporation. Its access to the Pitt and Fraser Rivers, proximity to Vancouver and the availability of level land for workshops and yards attracted the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, which moved its freight operations to the site of Port Coquitlam from Vancouver in 1911.

Promoters and speculators during the 1911 "Panama Fever" era visualized a great Port because the area bordered the banks of the Fraser River. Port Coquitlam never grew as quickly as they imagined it would, but because of its natural beauty and charm attracted many residents and businesses.

Before the arrival of the early white settlers around the 1860’s, the area now known as Port Coquitlam was a First Nations village at the mouth of the Coquitlam River. Coquitlam is an aboriginal word meaning "salmon", and the Coquitlam River was famous for its hordes of the Pacific Coast fish.

The end of World War II was the beginning of changes in the City of Port Coquitlam. Prior to and during the Second World War, the bulk of the population was engaged in railway work or was employed by the Essondale Provincial Mental Hospital located southwest of the City. Evans, Coleman and Evans also provided employment in two quarry pits which were in operation.

After 1952, a number of major industries located in Port Coquitlam. These included the Macro Division of Kennametal Incorporated, Esco Steel, Scott Poultry and Ellett Copper and Brass.

Since 1988 industrial development has been high. New businesses have moved into the Davies Industrial Park, the Mary Hill Industrial Estate and Meridian Industrial Park.

Population GrowthThe population picture is steadily changing in Port Coquitlam. At the end of World War II, there were approximately 1,500 people residing in the area. In 1952, there were approximately 3,000 people and in 1960, the population was around 8,400. Today, the population is approximately 55,000.

Opportunities for commercial growth and investment are attractive. there are four major retail areas in Port Coquitlam: the PoCo Place Mall , the Northside commercial area, the Downtown Core, and the Dominion Triangle.

Information from City of Port Coquitlam