Coquitlam

Coquitlam is considered the fifth biggest city in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Its name was originally derived from the word, Kokanee or Kickininee, that is a little red fish similar to sockeye salmon. The place started as a "place-in-between" during the construction of North Road during the middle of 1800's, and its objective was to give Royal Engineers in New Westminster access to the port's all-year facilities within Port Moody. In the 19th Century, Coquitlam grew when Frank Ross and James McLaren opened Fraser Mills, which was a lumber mill located on the northern banks of the Fraser River. The following years saw the arrival of some contingents of French Canadian mill employees, and following World War II, Coquitlam and the Lower Mainland experienced a population explosion that still continues even these days.

Coquitlam has several municipal parks and natural areas, consisting of the Mundy Park, that is situated in the heart of the city. Within the northern and eastern edge of the highlands are Provincial Park, Minnekhada Regional Park, Pinecone Burke and Pitt Addington Marsh. Towne Centre Park is located within the middle portion of the city, and it offers people plenty of recreational activities. Beach-enthusiasts can enjoy the neighboring beaches of Anmore (Buntzen Lake, Sasamat Lake), Belcarra and Port Moody.

There are various sports and recreation fields within Coquitlam. They comprise about forty grass/soil sports/sand fields, cricket pitch, a croquet/bocce courts, a bowling green, some weather surfaces, and thirty-five ball diamonds. There is also the Percy Perry Stadium and the Coquitlam Sports Centre. Planet Ice has four ice rinks and several additional ones situated throughout Tri-Cities. Moreover, there are likewise four community centres found within the city: Summit, Poirier, Pinetree, and Centennial. Senior community centres are likewise obtainable (Glen Pine Pavilion and Dogwood Pavilion).

Nearly all of the people of Coquitlam commute to Burnaby, Vancouver, and various Metro Vancouver suburbs, with the main industrial area of the city is situated in the southern Fraser Mills/Maillardville area. Its largest businesses include the City of Coquitlam, Boulevard Casino, Art in Motion, Sony, Marine Propulsion (a division of Rolls-Royce), and Coca-Cola. The retail business also thrives in the area, and it is among the industries that contribute to the city's employments. The majority of retail companies are in the Town Centre area, and around the North Road and Austin Heights sectors (The Home Depot, IKEA).

The Abbotsford International Airport (Trans Canada Highway) and Vancouver International Airport (south of Vancouver in the City of Richmond) are the two closest airports within the city. Train services are offered by the West Coast Express. Translink offers the bus services in the city, as well as bus routes to Port Moody, Port Coquitlam Maple Ridge, Vancouver and Burnaby.