July 10, 2020
Summer vacation this year is going to be different for most of us, but lucky for us in Coquitlam, being forced to stay close to home isn’t a bad thing. We can’t do much about the weather but we can still plan fun experiences to make this summer a special one. How about being a tourist in your own town?
That’s the focus of the 75 Days of Summer campaign launched a couple of weeks ago by Tourism Coquitlam. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram until Sept. 7 for prize giveaways and insider tips about things to do and places to visit, eat and drink in Coquitlam. I’m sure you’ll be surprised at all the wonderful but safe experiences you can have this summer without having to go far. Watch for the hashtag #SummerintheCQ for your daily dose of inspiration.
Speaking of new discoveries, did you know Coquitlam has more than 70 parks and 90 kilometres of trails? I’ve been exploring our local trails all my life, and I’m still finding places I’ve never seen before. I was recently biking in Oxford Heights on Burke Mountain, for example, and came across a pathway I’d never been through. It was a neat little discovery for me, and there are lots of those waiting for us once we step out our door.
Most of us know about Coquitlam’s hotspots so I don’t need to name them, but there are plenty of hidden gems just waiting to be explored. I’m fond of the Miller Park ravine trail, and you can find maps and details for five other trails less travelled at coquitlam.ca/trails, along with a host of information about our trail system. And make sure to take a look at our Park Finder at coquitlam.ca/parkfinder to find the parks near you.
Thankfully, getting outdoors for our physical and mental health is still recommended as we continue to make our way through the pandemic.
So grab your sunscreen – or your rain jacket – and get out there to explore our great community while keeping your distance and staying safe. Make sure to share your discoveries with the rest of us online by tagging #ExploreCoquitlam and #SummerintheCQ.
And here are a couple of shout-outs for this week.
Hats off to C Market Coffee and Roastery for participating in Thankful Thursdays – a day to express gratitude at work – and recently supporting healthcare workers at Eagle Ridge Hospital. C Market also supports other small businesses by stocking their product for resale. It’s a great example of the many local businesses that are giving back to the community.
I’d also like to give a shout-out to the volunteers who continue to deliver healthy meals to local seniors twice a week through the City’s Meals for Seniors program. This service is helping to keep our seniors healthy because it means they don’t have to go out as often to shop. More than 4,500 meals have been delivered since we started the program in March. Way to go!
As always, if you hear about something happening in Coquitlam that deserves a shout-out, please share it on social media and tag #CoquitlamSPIRIT.
Richard Stewart
Mayor
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/csrp to learn about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is providing immediate and long-term support for the non-profit sector, businesses and residents;
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/spirit for a free library of activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to connect with your community; and
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates on City services and initiatives and COVID-19 health resources.
Coquitlam residents and businesses are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information. Links are available at www.coquitlam.ca/connect.