COQUITLAM, B.C., Oct. 6, 2020 – Have an opinion about heritage in Coquitlam?
The City is engaging the public this month in a discussion about all types of heritage – buildings, landscapes, culture and more – as it prepares to develop Coquitlam’s first Heritage Management Strategy since 2001.
Those interested are encouraged to visit www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/heritage from Oct. 6 to 31 to complete an online survey and try out digital tools for discussing ideas and mapping important heritage sites.
Many Opportunities to Participate
A year ago, the City began planning for a comprehensive strategy that would incorporate and build on the various plans, strategies and policies that currently govern heritage in Coquitlam. The new strategy would also establish a community vision for heritage, guide how heritage is assessed, recognized and preserved, identify pressing local issues, and engage the community in heritage matters and conservation.
With the first phase of research and analysis complete, the City now hopes to spark a community-wide discussion about heritage before building out the draft strategy this fall. A variety of digital tools are being rolled out to collect public opinion and promote dialogue through a safe, physically-distant format.
Visit www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/heritage to learn about the proposed approach and provide input through digital tools such as:
- An online survey;
- A tool for sharing ideas and for commenting or voting on those of others;
- A tool to map places of significance; and
- A form for signing up to receive project updates.
Those preferring in-person interaction can also contact City staff directly with questions and comments through emailing Planning & Development or 604-927-3400.
Taking A Broader View of Heritage
As part of the foundation of the Heritage Management Strategy, a broader approach to heritage management will be considered, similar to that of the provincial and federal governments which looks at both intangibles – such as the community’s cultural and social development – and more traditional aspects such as materials, aesthetics, architecture and places.
The strategy will be framed around seven proposed themes that have shaped Coquitlam over time:
- Uplands to lowlands – the impacts of natural geography;
- Regional nexus – governance and institutions such as the relocated downtown, Riverview, schools and Tri-Cities context;
- Diverse landscape, diverse people – the evolution of settlement and multiculturalism;
- Sustenance economy to commercial centre – changes to the local economy over time;
- Community connections – community life, events and parks;
- Canoe route and SkyTrain – transportation and communication; and
- Evolving community identity – culture, local achievements and urban/neighbourhood identity.
The approach and themes grew out of the initial phase of work that included retaining an experienced consultant, a review of existing City processes, research of best practices in heritage planning, and initial discussions with stakeholders and the Kwikwetlem First Nation.
Next Steps for the Strategy
In addition to collecting public feedback, the project team is completing its policy work this fall and conducting direct consultation with groups such as City advisory committees, Coquitlam Heritage Society, School District 43, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, and various community and neighbourhood groups.
The draft strategy is expected to be ready for presentation to Council in early 2021. Further consultation will take place in 2021 to refine the strategy prior to final adoption.
More information and background is posted at www.coquitlam.ca/hms and linked to the consultation website www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/heritage.
Media contact
Genevieve Bucher
Manager Community Planning
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3490
Email