Port Coquitlam, in conjunction
with 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. Port Coquitlam sits in the shadow of the Coast Mountains,
just east of Port Moody and Coquitlam, and is bordered by the Coquitlam,
Fraser, and Pitt Rivers.
Port Coquitlam, like its neighbouring cities, has roots in the past.
Due to its proximity to the Pitt, Fraser, and Coquitlam Rivers,
the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) moved its freight operations
from Vancouver to the site of Port Coquitlam, in 1911. Two years
later, in 1913, the City incorporated.
The vast waterways were a major part of the appeal of the area,
and in the early part of the century, many leaders foresaw the possibility
of Port Coquitlam becoming a world-class port. This great expansion
never took place, but instead the area grew into a thriving residential
area peppered with retail and industry. Port Coquitlam – or
PoCo, as its 50,000 residents affectionately call it – is
a mere 45 minute drive to downtown Vancouver, or a 35 minute ride
on the West Coast Express commuter train. The conveniences of a
major urban centre, along with the safe and relaxed lifestyle of
the suburbs make PoCo a natural choice. And speaking of nature,
the stunning setting of mountainous forests and the banks of the
local waterways make PoCo an excellent choice for those who love
outdoor sports such as hiking, biking, and walking, and water sports
like canoeing and swimming.
Distance from the bustle of the big city does not mean that residents
of Port Coquitlam go without. On the contrary, the downtown core
is home to many shops, restaurants, and cafes, with much of the
original historical architecture still in place. For those who love
to shop, there are no fewer than four malls in the Port Coquitlam
limits! The local government provides all the amenities of a larger
city, like police and fire services, and garbage and recycling pick-up,
and residents have easy access to telephone, hydro, electricity,
and cable services.
Perhaps what is most outstanding about Port Coquitlam is the vast
array of programs and services provided to its residents.
