Coquitlam advisory committees weigh in on parks, culture, and economic development
Coquitlam's advisory committees covered a wide range of topics in meetings held July 7–9, from a major tennis court expansion at Town Centre Park to film industry activity totaling $1.6 million year-to-date. All five meetings were agenda-only sessions, meaning minutes have not yet been published and no outcomes are confirmed.
Economic Development Advisory Committee — July 7
The committee reviewed a Curbside Management Strategy covering street parking, loading zones, and patio permits. Discussion items included time-restricted parking, pay parking modernization with mobile payment options, and suggestions for regularized, low-cost patio permitting with flexible options for businesses.
Members also discussed the siting of Photonic, a quantum computing company, in Coquitlam, along with strategies for attracting tech businesses. A proposal was raised to organize a business conference with the Consul General of India in partnership with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
The committee received a film industry economic impact report showing $1.6 million year-to-date, and reviewed Coquitlam Foundation neighborhood grants ranging from $500 to $3,500.
The FIFA Summer of Soccer Community Activations Plan was also on the agenda, including free, unticketed block parties and community screenings, with enhanced block party grants available starting May 1.
Sports Advisory Committee — July 8
The committee was scheduled to review the final design for the Town Centre Park tennis courts renewal and expansion. The project includes new tennis courts, a Tennis Support Building with a meeting room, kitchenette, universal washroom, and social patio, plus a Park Service Hub and an interim expansion of Festival Lawn. Construction procurement and award are targeted for Q2 2026, with the Park Service Hub opening in Q3 2026 and Festival Lawn interim expansion opening in Q3 2027.
The committee also reviewed the Urban Forest Management Strategy, including planned fire fuel removal on Westwood Plateau for fall 2026. A Planet Ice update noted that a new ice facility is identified in the Major Facilities Roadmap for approximately 10–15 years out. Burke Mountain Athletic Park is scheduled to open in late summer 2026.
Coquitlam Lions Water Polo presented on community programs and the Ethan Denum Memorial Tournament.
Culture Services Advisory Committee — July 9
The committee received updates on the Fraser Mills Community Centre design, which includes 6.7 hectares of parks, a 4,645-square-metre community centre, 1,226 square metres of retail space, and a 5,000-square-metre urban plaza.
The 2026–2027 Streetscape Enhancement Program includes projects at the David Avenue Water Pump Station (3311 David Ave), Austin Heights benches, the Burquitlam Tree Lighting, and utility box wraps. Future streetscape opportunities were identified in Maillardville, Como Lake Village, North Road, and Austin Heights.
Music in the Streets performers named on the agenda include Ahshi Duo, Neo Harmonia Duo, Amanda and Marta Jazz Duo, Nkwali, Natasha Kozak, Paula Pazos, Steven Marriott, Ranj Singh, and Lenny & Pete.
Coming up
- **July 21 — Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee:** Agenda includes a smartphone-based navigational tool presented by the Dr. Charles Best Secondary Youth Empowerment Team for Dogwood Pavilion, proposed Canada Day accessibility updates, and discussion of a $25,000 SPARC BC grant awarded for maze gate removal.
- **July 23 — Multiculturalism Advisory Committee:** Agenda includes the final Accessibility and Inclusion Plan 2026–2029, featuring 24 actions across six focus areas, plus discussion of newcomer employment needs and a Welcome to Coquitlam event.
- **July 28 — Sustainability & Environmental Advisory Committee:** Meeting cancelled. No decisions or discussions will occur.