Terry’s legacy is also reflected in the statue at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre and the tribute at Terry Fox Secondary School. Together, these landmarks create a meaningful connection across our community and proudly honour Port Coquitlam as the hometown of one of Canada’s greatest heroes.

The history and continuing presence of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation are fundamental to understanding our community. Our rivers and natural environment, railway and agricultural roots, veterans’ history, historic downtown, buildings and neighbourhoods are also important parts of Port Coquitlam’s identity. The photographs, documents, artifacts and personal stories preserved by the PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives help bring this history to life. Protecting these assets and making them accessible through exhibits, public art, interpretive displays and digital collections will ensure our community’s story is shared with future generations.

There is still room for improvement. I would support reviewing and updating the City’s heritage inventory so we have a clear understanding of which buildings, landscapes, trees, stories and cultural resources are most significant. Heritage should be considered early in planning and development decisions, before important assets are placed at risk.

Our heritage policy should also promote strong governance and accountability. This could include clearly defined roles, regular reporting and a constructive annual performance-review process for any City-funded heritage position. Such a review would provide an opportunity to recognize accomplishments, discuss responsibilities and professional development, and establish goals for the coming year.

We should also explore practical incentives to help property owners preserve heritage features, expand digital access to historical collections and provide more interpretive signs and displays throughout the city.

Our heritage policy should better reflect the history and continuing presence of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation, as well as the experiences of the many cultural communities that have helped shape Port Coquitlam. I would support working with Indigenous partners, the Heritage Society, residents and historians to ensure our approach is inclusive, current and focused on preserving our community’s stories for future generations.

I would also support an updated heritage inventory and recognition program covering significant buildings, neighbourhoods, landscapes and heritage trees. A heritage plaque program, interpretive signs, walking tours and an interactive digital map could make local history more visible throughout the city.

An expanded oral-history program would also be valuable. Seniors, long-time residents, Indigenous partners and members of Port Coquitlam’s diverse cultural communities should be invited to record their experiences before those stories are lost. Partnerships with schools could help young people learn about and participate in preserving our local history.

I would also support an annual Community Heritage Day where residents could display treasured artifacts, photographs and family keepsakes while sharing the stories behind them. The Museum and Archives could participate by offering historical information and encouraging residents to connect with others and digitally preserve items of local significance.

Where appropriate, the City should explore incentives and guidance to help property owners maintain heritage features or adapt older buildings for new uses. Preserving heritage does not mean preventing change; it means finding creative ways to carry important parts of our past into the future.