Chapter 2: Coquitlam: A Growing City

Located on the traditional and ancestral lands of the kʷikʷəƛəm (Kwikwetlem), Coquitlam is a dynamic regional urban centre within the Metro Vancouver area As the sixth-largest city in British Columbia and one of the fastestgrowing cities in Canada, Coquitlam is committed to achieving balanced growth that prioritizes livability, resiliency and inclusion for its 150,000 residents and local business community

Guided by Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy, Coquitlam is focused on prioritizing smart growth, active transportation and sustainable development that provides residents access to quality amenities and services This approach also ensures the City’s long-term resiliency in the face of environmental and economic challenges

Coquitlam is a diverse and vibrant community that will continue to grow With this in mind, the City is investing in sustainable modern urban services that support both current and future residents This includes improving and expanding recreation facilities to meet the rising demand for multi-family living and responding to the growing interest in improved micromobility options, including walking and cycling amenities This investment allows the City to better serve our diverse community by incorporating an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion lens to all City businesses, including our policies and practices, the language we use, how we plan neighbourhoods and what services we provide

To achieve its vision for the future, Coquitlam has developed long-term plans such as the Environmental Sustainability Plan, City Centre Area Plan, Housing Affordability Strategy, and Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan Supported by the overarching citywide Strategic Plan, these plans outline the City’s commitment to excellence in City governance, safe and complete neighbourhoods, local economy and local jobs, active citizens, and sustainability Coquitlam also recognizes the need for reconciliation and is committed to fostering positive relationships with Indigenous peoples through meaningful engagement and action with the local First Nations

Through innovative solutions like a City-owned fibre-optic network, incentive-based housing affordability strategy and strategic partnerships to provide recreation and other services, Coquitlam is making positive strides towards achieving its population target of 224,000 by 2041 And with smart and sustainable growth, strategic community enhancements, and redevelopment remaining a top priority, Coquitlam’s future looks brighter than ever

Community Profile and Demographics

Population

Coquitlam’s current population is 148,652 based on the 2021 Census of Population data from Statistics Canada The City is working towards a population target of 224,000 by 2041

Household Income

According to the 2021 Census, Coquitlam’s median income for households within the city is $92,000

After English, at 63%, the top five languages* spoken most often at home in Coquitlam according to the 2021 Census Chinese (including Mandarin, Cantonese and not otherwise specified)

*94% of people who gave a single response

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census

Housing

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census

Immigration and Languages

In 2021, 46% of Coquitlam’s population were immigrants

The top three source countries continue to include China, South Korea and Iran

The December 2021 Housing Price Index produced by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) indicates a benchmark price of $1,698,400 for a detached dwelling in Coquitlam, $978,400 for an attached/ townhouse unit and $653,300 for an apartment The benchmark represents the estimated sale price of a typical property within the market

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census

Business Community

Major Employers in Coquitlam (200 or more employees)

Name Description

McDonald’s Restaurants (6)

The Real Canadian Superstore (2)

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

Ikea

Save-on-Foods (2)

Factors Group of Nutritional Companies Inc

Waste Management of Canada Corporation

Safeway (2)

Vancouver Horror Nights

Superior Poultry Processors Ltd

Walmart Supercentre

WN Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Tim Hortons (5 locations)

Shoppers Drug Mart (6 locations)

Cineplex SilverCity (Theatres)

GFL Environmental Inc

Restaurants

Retail Sales

Casino

Retail Sales

Retail Sales

Warehouse

Industrial

Retail Sales

Entertainment

Industrial

Retail Sales

Pharmaceutical

Restaurant

Retail Sales

Entertainment

Industrial

Source: City of Coquitlam Business Licence Data (2022)

Schools

School District #43

Douglas College (David Lam Campus) Coquitlam College

Other private and independent schools